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Brazilian defender and former Barcelona star Dani Alves is currently under the spotlight, but not for his football prowess.
This morning, Alves made his way to the courtroom, escorted in a police van from Brian 2 Prison near Barcelona, where he has been detained for over a year as reported by the Sun.
The footballer is facing a serious legal battle that could result in a 12-year prison sentence if he is found guilty of rape charges stemming from an incident in a Barcelona nightclub on December 30, 2022.
Legal Showdown at Barcelona’s Audiencia Provincial Court
The case against Alves has attracted significant media attention, given his status as one of football's most celebrated full-backs. Prosecutors are pushing for a nine-year incarceration for the alleged rape of a woman in the nightclub's restroom.
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However, the lawyer representing Alves' accuser is advocating for the maximum penalty of 12 years, emphasizing the gravity of the charges.
The trial, devoid of a jury as per Spanish law for sex crime cases, is set to unfold over three days, with a decision expected within a fortnight of its conclusion.
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Alves has admitted to having consensual sex with the woman but vehemently denies the rape allegations. Initially, he denied any encounter with the accuser, only to later change his narrative as further details emerged.
The legal proceedings will also hear from the accuser's cousin and friend, who were present on the night of the incident, alongside staff from Sutton’s nightclub, painting a comprehensive picture of the events that led to Alves' arrest.
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A Career and Reputation in the Balance
This trial marks a significant turn in the life of Dani Alves, who has enjoyed an illustrious career across Europe's top leagues and holds the record as the oldest player to represent Brazil at a World Cup.
His arrest and the subsequent trial have not only impacted his professional life, leading to his dismissal from the Mexican side of UNAM Pumas but have also strained his personal life, with his wife publicly seeking a divorce following the allegations.
The court's decision will have far-reaching implications for Alves, potentially altering the legacy of one of football’s greats. Beyond the possible prison sentence, prosecutors are demanding a compensation payment of £128,000 for the accuser, adding a financial dimension to the already high stakes.
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