The woman accusing Dani Alves of rape has appealed the overturning of his conviction, sparking further controversy in Spain. Alves, 41, was initially sentenced to four-and-a-half years in jail for raping a young woman in a Barcelona nightclub’s VIP bathroom on December 31, 2022.
Alves was found guilty in February last year, but a Barcelona appeals court later overturned the ruling, citing inconsistencies and contradictions in the trial. The court stated that there was insufficient evidence to prove Alves’ guilt.
The complainant’s lawyer, Ester Garcia, confirmed that the appeal was lodged, but declined to disclose the reasons, citing strategic considerations. “For reasons of strategy, the reasons for which we are appealing will not be made public.” The public prosecutor’s office in Catalonia has also announced plans to appeal the ruling.
The decision to overturn Alves’ conviction sparked widespread outrage, with hundreds protesting in Barcelona. Deputy Prime Minister Maria Jesus Montero criticized the ruling, saying it’s “a step backwards” and a “shame” that rape victims’ testimonies are still questioned.
Alves, a former Brazil and Barcelona star, had a illustrious career, winning three Champions League crowns and six La Liga titles. He was released from jail in March 2024 after posting a one million euros ($1.1 million) bail. Recently, his wife, Joana Sanz, announced their pregnancy, revealing they are expecting a baby girl. Alves is now free to leave Spain after the court overturned his conviction.
Spanish authorities have weighed in on the overturning of Dani Alves’ rape conviction. Justice Minister Felix Bolanos emphasized that the ruling must be respected, while acknowledging that “Spanish society no longer tolerates sexist vexatious behavior and women are losing their fear and denouncing it.”
This statement underscores the shifting attitudes toward women’s rights in Spain. Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Diaz expressed solidarity with Alves’ accuser, stating, “All my support to the victim. I’m concerned about the re-victimization of the victim, who is suffering a lot.”
The case has significant implications for women’s rights in Spain, particularly in the sports world. Irene Montero, former equality minister, criticized the ruling as “patriarchal justice,” emphasizing that “only yes means yes,” a reference to a legal reform establishing absence of consent as a main criterion for determining sex offenses. This case highlights the ongoing debate about women’s rights and consent in Spain.
The case can still be appealed to Spain’s Supreme Court. The accuser’s lawyer and the public prosecutor’s office will continue to pursue justice, despite the initial overturning of Alves’ conviction. The outcome of this case may have far-reaching consequences for how sexual assault cases are handled in Spain. Alves’ accuser and supporters are pushing for a reevaluation of the evidence, seeking a more just outcome.