Dani Alves asks for bail

Spain Brazilian defender Dani Alves has asked a Barcelona court to release him on bail pending an appeal against his four-year and six-month prison sentence for raping a 23-year-old woman at a Barcelona nightclub in late 2022.

On February 22, Alves was sentenced by a Barcelona court to 4 years and 6 months for raping a 23-year-old woman at a nightclub in Barcelona in late 2022. In addition, the former Barca and PSG defender was also placed under legal supervision for an additional 5 years and a ban on contact with the victim for 9 years and 6 months.

On March 19, Alves asked to be released on bail pending his appeal via a video call from Brians 2 prison, where he has been held since January 2023. The Brazilian defender said he trusted the justice system and pledged never to escape.

Alves' lawyers also argued that he did not have the financial means to flee, as he owed $21,500 in his bank account. In addition, the Brazilian defender had other assets worth more than $54,000 frozen. The lawyers also emphasized that Alves received a sentence of less than five years and had already served a quarter of it.

Alves (in white shirt) in court in Barcelona on February 5. Photo: AP

In exchange for his release and assurances that he would not flee, Alves offered to post a €50,000 ($55,000) bail, surrender his Brazilian and Spanish passports and avoid contact with the victim. The 40-year-old defender also confirmed that he would stay in Barcelona, where he shares a home with his wife Joana Sanz, from whom he has not yet formally divorced.

Prosecutors, on the other hand, argue that Alves is now an even greater flight risk because of his financial means and his foreign passport. The victim’s lawyer also argues that Alves is more likely to flee now that he has been convicted. Brazil also does not extradite citizens convicted in other countries, which is why Alves has been repeatedly denied bail while in pretrial detention.

Alves had previously applied for bail at least four times, but was denied. The defender even agreed to wear an ankle bracelet, surrender his passport, report to the court and the authorities as often as required, including daily, and would not come within 500 metres of his accuser - her home or workplace. But the Barcelona Court rejected all of them, arguing: "The suspect poses a high risk of flight due to the severe punishment he faces in the case. The clear evidence of wrongdoing and the economic power of the suspect would mean that he could leave Spain at any time."

This means Alves is in pre-trial detention and the 13 months he has spent in prison will count towards his sentence. He could therefore be released on parole from July 20, when he has served a third of his sentence. Under Spanish law, the 40-year-old defender will be allowed to leave prison to work or "engage in activities" during the day before returning at night. It is not yet clear what those activities will be.

However, this temporary release must be approved by the prison supervision unit, and is dependent on Alves' good behavior - continuing to develop cultural or professional activities in prison and paying the 150,000 euro compensation to the complainant according to the February 22 ruling.

Hong Duy

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