Former Barcelona footballer Dani Alves appeared before a Catalan court, which is examining the case against the player. During the meeting, the Brazilian stated that he “does not agree with the stated facts, which do not correspond to reality.”
The defendant’s lawyer, Cristobal Martell, said the charge will not be appealed because Alves wants to expedite the process and appear in court as soon as possible.
What threatens Dani Alves?
The judge involved in the pre-trial investigation found sufficient grounds to bring charges against the 40-year-old football player.
Consideration of the case on its merits should begin in the coming months. In a few weeks, the prosecutor’s office will present an indictment, and the defense will also present its version of events. The football player faces up to 10–12 years for rape, which he does not admit to.
Alves has been in custody since January 20. A Barcelona court twice rejected his request for provisional release. The court was confused that Alves gave three different versions of what happened.
In addition, the court considered the footballer’s flight risk high due to his possession of large assets in Brazil, with which Spain does not have an extradition treaty.
What is Dani Alves accused of?
Since January, Alves has been in the Brians 2 prison, located in the city of Sant Esteve Sesrovires near Barcelona. A forensic examination found traces of the football player’s DNA in the body of the raped girl, and his wife filed for divorce at the end of January.
Brians 2 prison is considered comfortable: there is a library, a computer room, clean cells and separate bathrooms, and several gyms. Alves was placed in a separate cell with its own shower — for his safety, prison authorities claimed.
He lives with a cellmate — at first he was accused under the same article, so that it would be easier for Alves to adapt. In the next cell from the football player was his acquaintance, the Brazilian Coutinho. He worked as a bodyguard for ex-Barcelona striker Ronaldinho and as a bouncer in some nightclubs in the Catalan capital.
Dani had a hard time on his first night in prison — he was depressed, barely ate or spoke. But over time, the footballer adapted and hopes for release:
“I will accept any outcome. I left home when I was barely 15 years old. I have overcome very difficult and challenging situations in my life. This will be another one that will also pass. Nothing scares me.”