Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-03-25 15:46:24
Former Brazil international and convicted rapist Dani Alves was released from prison near Barcelona after posting a one-million-euro bail set by the court for his release pending appeal. The 40-year-old had been in jail since January 2023 on charges of raping a young woman in a nightclub in December 2022.
Alves, dressed in jeans, a white poloneck, and a black jacket, left the Brians 2 prison in San Esteban Sasroviras with his lawyer without saying a word to reporters waiting outside. He deposited the bail amount set by the court earlier and left in a car shortly after. The former Barcelona player, known for his successful football career, was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in jail last month, with his lawyers filing an appeal.
In a surprising turn of events, the court agreed to release Alves on bail in exchange for the hefty sum, surrender of his passports, staying in Spain, and weekly court appearances. Despite several failed attempts to make bail earlier due to being considered a flight risk, Alves’ legal team is working towards his acquittal, which could take months to complete. Prosecutors are pushing for an extended sentence of nine years and have appealed the decision to grant him bail.
The victim’s lawyer expressed outrage at the court’s decision, highlighting the injustice and dangerous message it sends to society. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva also criticized the bail deal, emphasizing that money cannot undo the crime committed by raping a woman. He emphasized the importance of mutual consent in sexual encounters and the severity of the crime of rape.
During the trial, the victim recounted the traumatic experience of being forced into sex by Alves despite her pleas to stop, causing anguish and terror. Alves’ defense claimed there was mutual attraction and sexual tension between them while dancing at the nightclub. However, the court’s decision indicated that consent given in one situation does not imply consent in another.
Spain’s government passed a new law in 2022 requiring explicit consent for sexual activities to strengthen rape laws. Alves, known for his successful football career with Barcelona, winning numerous trophies, was playing for Mexican club Pumas UNAM at the time of his arrest and subsequent termination of contract.
The release of Alves on bail has sparked outrage and criticism from various quarters, raising concerns about justice for the wealthy and the message it sends to society regarding accountability for criminal acts. The ongoing legal battle and appeal process will determine the final outcome of the case, with prosecutors seeking a harsher sentence while Alves’ legal team fights for his acquittal.
