Ex-Barcelona star Dani Alves to go on trial for sexual assault, can go to Jail

Add as a preferred source on Google

Dani Alves, the renowned former Barcelona and Brazil defender, is set to face trial in Barcelona on February 5th, concerning allegations of sexually assaulting a woman in a nightclub's restroom in the city in 2022.

At 40 years old, Alves has been under arrest since January of the previous year, following these serious accusations.

Initially, Alves vehemently denied having any sexual interactions with the accuser, claiming he had no acquaintance with her. However, his narrative shifted as he later admitted to having consensual relations, justifying his previous denial as an attempt to safeguard his marriage.

The case has garnered widespread attention, not only due to Alves' high-profile status but also because it highlights the pressing issue of sexual assault within Spain-a subject further spotlighted by the controversial actions of Luis Rubiales, the Spanish football federation chief, after the Football World Cup win last August.

Dani Alves can face nine-year prison

In Spain, rape allegations fall under the broad category of sexual assault, with convictions potentially leading to imprisonment ranging from four to fifteen years. The public prosecutor is advocating for a nine-year prison sentence for Alves and is also demanding that he compensate the victim with damages amounting to 150,000 euros.

A trio of judges is expected to oversee the trial, scheduled to span three days at Barcelona's supreme courthouse. The proceedings will feature testimonies from Alves, the alleged victim who will be allowed to testify anonymously behind a screen and approximately 30 additional witnesses.

The case reiterates Spain's ongoing struggle with gender violence and sexual assault, issues that have been at the forefront of national discourse, especially after the infamous 2016 gang-rape incident during the San Fermin bull-running festival.