Spain: Brazil's Defender Dani Alves Indicted In Sexual Assault Case

On August 2, Wednesday, former Barcelona and Brazil defender Dani Alves was officially charged for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman at a Barcelona nightclub in December. His attorney stated that he would not prolong the legal process by appealing the indictment.

Dani Alves Sexual Assault Case

The Hearing

The presiding judge cited evidence of wrongdoing by the 40-year-old player, who maintains that his encounter with the woman was consensual.

Alves was arrested on January 20. He was detained in a prison located outside of Barcelona and has not been granted bail. If convicted, he could be sentenced to four to 15 years in prison.

In a statement, the lawyer Cristobal Martell representing Alves, said, "Dani Alves is disheartened by the narrative of events. He disagrees with it." Further added, "He has also indicated that he won't appeal to expedite the judicial proceedings."

What Next?

Formal charges from the prosecution will now be submitted to the court, while the defence will present its counterarguments in writing. Following this, a trial commencement date will be established.

Alves is anticipated to remain in custody awaiting trial. Bail requests have been denied due to concerns that he is a flight risk, even though he offered to surrender his passport and wear a tracking device.

A judge ordered Alves' detention after assessing the initial inquiry by authorities and hearing testimony from the woman, witnesses, and Alves himself.

Alves' lawyers sought to undermine the credibility of the woman's account and the statements of other witnesses by introducing security camera footage from the nightclub. However, the court emphasised that any flirtatious behaviour should not "in any way justify an eventual sexual assault."

Spain's Sexual Abuse Law

Spain's sexual consent law, enacted last year, encompasses a broad range of offences, from online harassment and groping to rape, each carrying varying potential penalties. A rape conviction can result in a maximum 15-year sentence.

Throughout his career, Alves accumulated 42 titles, including three Champions League victories with Barcelona and two Copa America championships with Brazil. Last year, Alves participated in his third World Cup held in Qatar.

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