Dani Alves, a former Barcelona and Brazil footballer, went on trial in Barcelona on Monday for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman in a nightclub restroom in 2022.
The 40-year-old defender was detained in the Spanish city in January of last year and has been in prison ever since. Dani Alves first denied having a sexual encounter with the woman, whom he said he didn’t know.
He eventually admitted to having consensual intercourse with his accuser, explaining that he initially denied it to preserve his wife.
The case has gained attention due to Alves’ profile and the prevalence of sexual assault in Spain, particularly after the alleged non-consensual kiss by Spanish football federation chief Luis Rubiales on a female player after her team won the Soccer World Cup in August.
News Source: My Joy online
In Spain, a rape claim is examined as a standard sexual assault charge, and convictions can result in prison sentences ranging from four to fifteen years. The Spanish public prosecutor wants Dani Alves to serve a nine-year prison sentence and pay the victim 150,000 euros ($163,215.00) in damages.
A panel of three judges will preside over a three day trial at Barcelona’s top tribunal.
It will involve testimony from Alves, the accused victim, and approximately 30 additional persons.
The accused victim will testify behind a screen, and her voice and image will be modified during the trial recording to conceal her identity.
In 2016, a teenager was gang-raped during the San Fermin bull-running festival, prompting Spain to strengthen its sexual violence laws. However, gender violence rates continue to be high.
Alves is one of history’s most accomplished footballers, having won over 40 trophies for his country and clubs such as Barcelona. After being arrested, he was sacked by Mexico’s Pumas UNAM.
