Dani Alves Acquitted: Catalonia’s High Court Overturns Sexual Assault Conviction
In a landmark decision, the High Court of Justice of Catalonia has acquitted former football star Dani Alves of sexual assault charges, overturning the four-and-a-half-year prison sentence handed down by the Barcelona Court. The ruling, issued by a panel of three female judges and one male judge, emphasized the lack of sufficient evidence to sustain the conviction, thereby upholding Alves' presumption of innocence.
Court’s Justification: Insufficient Evidence and Unreliable Testimony
The court unanimously accepted the appeal filed by Alves' lawyer, Inés Guardiola, while dismissing the prosecutor’s request to increase the sentence to nine years and the private prosecution’s demand for a 12-year sentence.
The ruling pointed to inconsistencies in the accuser’s testimony, raising concerns about its credibility and reliability. The court stated that due to insufficient proof, the initial conviction had to be revoked, leading to an acquittal and the removal of all precautionary measures against Alves.
Alves’ Lawyer Reacts: "Justice Has Finally Been Served"
Speaking to RAC-1 shortly after the verdict, Inés Guardiola, Alves’ defense attorney, expressed her relief and satisfaction:
"I stand by Daniel Alves. Justice has finally been served. He is innocent. It has now been proven. I am extremely emotional and happy. This means that this man is innocent."
She also acknowledged that the ruling is not yet final and that the next legal steps are still uncertain. When asked about possible compensation claims, she responded:
"For now, we cannot say anything."
What’s Next for Dani Alves?
With this dramatic reversal, Dani Alves is now legally innocent, but the case remains controversial. The prosecution may seek further legal actions, and the ruling could spark debate on the justice system’s handling of high-profile cases.
As the football world reacts, Alves' future—both personally and professionally—remains uncertain. Will this verdict clear his name, or will the controversy continue? Only time will tell.