In a surprising turn of events, Dani Alves, the former Barcelona football star, has been cleared of raping a woman at a nightclub in Catalonia after appealing his initial conviction.
The 40-year-old’s acquittal comes after the Catalan High Court rejected the appeals that sought to have him serve a lengthier sentence, ruling in his favor and overturning the previous four-year jail term he had received in February 2024.
The Legal Journey
Alves had been convicted by three judges last year after a three-day trial, where he was found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman at a nightclub.
However, both public and private prosecutors, representing the victim, appealed the ruling, pushing for an even harsher sentence of 9 and 12 years in prison, respectively.
This week, the Catalan High Court issued its 101-page ruling, stating that the presumption of innocence had not been surpassed, meaning there wasn’t enough evidence to convict Alves beyond a reasonable doubt.
The ruling concluded that the accusations against Alves lacked credibility, especially when considering the corroborative evidence from DNA tests and video footage, as well as the accuser’s inconsistent statements.
Joana Sanz’s Response
Following the dramatic news of Alves’ acquittal, his wife, model Joana Sanz, took to social media to express her emotions regarding the case and the public’s treatment of her throughout the ordeal.
In a heartfelt post on Instagram, Sanz reflected on the two years of public scrutiny she endured, including insults and threats.
Despite the hardship, she proudly declared that she had remained strong, unwavering in her beliefs, and dedicated to standing by her own principles without being swayed by public opinion.
She also urged people to educate themselves and avoid casting hatred toward those they don’t truly know.
Sanz’s emotional post also served as a response to the intense media and public pressure she faced.
Although the couple’s relationship had appeared rocky during the trial, and it seemed like their marriage might not survive the scandal, the two seem to have reconciled after Alves’ release on bail.
In her Instagram story, Sanz wrote, “I’m still standing, faithful to my beliefs and defending what I think.”
Alves’ Initial Reaction
Alves, who had been on bail since March of the previous year, expressed his happiness and relief after the acquittal was announced.
His lawyer, Ines Guardiola, also shared her joy, confirming that the outcome was expected.
Guardiola emphasized that Alves’ innocence had always been clear and was now officially recognized.
Though Alves has been cleared of the charges, prosecutors still have the option to file a final appeal with Spain’s Supreme Court.
The likelihood of an appeal remains uncertain, though it’s anticipated that the prosecution may attempt to challenge the decision.
The Accusations and Court Findings
The legal battle began when a 23-year-old woman accused Alves of raping her after a night at the nightclub in Barcelona.
During the trial, the woman testified behind a screen, claiming that Alves had attacked her after hitting her.
However, the appeal court found the complainant’s statements unreliable, noting discrepancies in her testimony.
Furthermore, the DNA and video evidence backed up Alves’ version of events, which suggested that the encounter was consensual.
The judges ultimately sided with Alves, concluding that the evidence did not meet the legal standards required for a conviction.
What’s Next?
As of now, Dani Alves is legally cleared of all charges, and his legal team and supporters are celebrating the decision.
However, with the option for the prosecution to appeal further, this chapter in the case is far from closed.
For Alves, the ruling represents a significant victory, but the public fallout and scrutiny are likely to linger.
His wife, Joana Sanz, has already made it clear that she will continue to stand by him, despite the media firestorm that has surrounded their lives for over two years.