Outrage in Spain as Dani Alves' Rape Conviction is Overturned

The Spanish government has spoken out against the acquittal of Dani Alves, with Deputy Prime Minister Maria Jesus Montero calling the decision 'a step backwards' for women's rights.

Spanish prosecutors announced on Wednesday that they will appeal the court ruling that overturned Dani Alves' rape conviction. This decision comes after an appeals court in Barcelona acquitted the former Brazil international footballer of raping a young woman in a nightclub in 2022. Alves was initially sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison after being found guilty in February 2024.

The acquittal has sparked widespread criticism from the government and women's groups, with hundreds protesting in Barcelona. Alves, who won the Champions League three times with Barcelona, has maintained his innocence throughout the ordeal. His defense team argued that the victim's testimony was unreliable, and the appeals court ultimately agreed.

The case can now be taken to the Spanish Supreme Court in Madrid if the appeal is accepted. This development marks a significant turn in the highly publicized case, which has drawn attention to issues of sexual assault and the treatment of victims in the justice system.

Alves' Acquittal Upheld on Appeal

In a dramatic turn of events, a Barcelona appeals court has overturned the initial ruling in the case against Dani Alves, citing inconsistencies and contradictions in the trial. The appeals court determined that there was insufficient evidence to prove Alves' guilt, thereby upholding his acquittal.

Accuser's Testimony Discredited

The appeals court raised significant doubts about the credibility of the accuser, stating that her testimony was “unreliable” and “differed notably” from video footage evidence. This footage, captured before Alves and the accuser entered the bathroom where the alleged incident occurred, was deemed crucial in undermining the accuser's account.

Prosecutor to Appeal Ruling

The public prosecutor's office in Catalonia has announced its intention to lodge an appeal against the ruling, although no further details were provided. This development ensures that the case against Alves will continue, with the prosecution seeking to overturn the appeals court's decision.

Hundreds of protesters gathered in Barcelona on Monday to express their outrage over the appeal court's decision to overturn Dani Alves' rape conviction. The demonstration, organized by feminist groups, saw many participants carrying signs that deemed the court's ruling “unacceptable” and demanded its revocation.

Deputy Prime Minister Maria Jesus Montero spoke out against the decision, stating that it's a “shame” that the testimony of a rape victim is still being questioned. She also expressed concerns that the presumption of innocence is being prioritized over the testimony of brave women who have come forward. Although she apologized for her initial statement, she maintained that the appeals court's decision is “a step backwards.”

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, a self-proclaimed feminist, has made combating sexual violence a top priority. His government reformed Spain's criminal code in 2022 to explicitly define non-consensual sex as rape. This move was prompted by a high-profile gang-rape case during the San Fermin bull-running festival in Pamplona.

Dani Alves, now 41, was initially sentenced to four years and six months in prison for sexually assaulting a woman in a Barcelona nightclub in 2022. He was released from prison in March 2024 after posting a one million euro bail and has since been acquitted of the charges.