The defense asks for the player’s freedom, while the prosecution and the private prosecution demand that he remain in prison
The Brazilian footballer Dani Alves has today asked the Court of Barcelona for his freedom, while he awaits the final verdict in the case of rape for which he was sentenced to four and a half years in prison. In a brief video conference appearance from Brians prison, where he has been incarcerated since January 2023, Alves said he trusts justice and will never run away. His defense argues that the sentence is less than five years, that he has already served a quarter of the sentence and that he does not have the financial resources to escape (https://www.softcatala.org/resum-de-textos- in Catalan/).
Controversy over a message from Joana Sanz
During the judicial process, controversy has been generated due to a message from Joana Sanz, wife of Dani Alves, in which she seems to mock the victim of the assault. This situation has generated rejection and criticism from public opinion (https://www.softcatala.org/resum-de-textos-en-catala/).
Positions of the parties
Alves’ defense argues that the sentence imposed is lower than that requested by the private prosecution and the prosecution, and that the footballer has already served a quarter of the sentence. In addition, it offers a bail of 50,000 euros, the delivery of the Brazilian and Spanish passports, the prohibition to approach and communicate with the victim, and his daily appearance in court. He also points out that Alves is domiciled in Barcelona, where he lives with his wife Joana Sanz, with whom he has not separated.
On the other hand, the private prosecution and the prosecution argue that the risk of flight is higher now that Alves has been convicted. In addition, they remember that they have appealed the sentence to request sentences of 9 and 12 years in prison. Both the prosecution and the private prosecution emphasize that there is still no final sentence and that the risk of flight persists or has even increased, since there is now a conviction. They also refer to the financial capacity of the footballer and the fact that he has a foreign passport.
conclusion
In summary, Dani Alves has asked for his freedom at the Barcelona Court, arguing that the sentence imposed is less than five years, that he has already served a quarter of the sentence and that he does not have the financial resources to escape. Both the defense and the private prosecution and the prosecution have presented their arguments, highlighting the risk of flight and the financial capacity of the footballer. The final decision will rest with the court (https://www.softcatala.org/resum-de-textos-en-catala/).
