Dani Alves’ Accuser Appeals Overturned Rape Conviction

The woman who accused former Brazilian football star Dani Alves of raping her has officially appealed the recent decision by a Barcelona appeals court that overturned his conviction. The appeal was filed on Monday, marking the last possible day for submission, according to the accuser’s lawyer, Ester Garcia.

In February of the previous year, Alves, 41, was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison after being found guilty of raping a young woman in the VIP bathroom of a Barcelona nightclub on December 31, 2022. However, on March 28, 2024, the Barcelona appeals court annulled this conviction, citing inconsistencies and contradictions in the original trial, as well as insufficient evidence to conclusively prove his guilt.

Speaking to reporters, Garcia confirmed that the appeal had been lodged but declined to reveal the specific reasons for the appeal, citing legal strategy. “The reasons for which we are appealing will not be made public at this time,” she said.

In addition to the victim’s legal team, the public prosecutor’s office in Catalonia has also announced that it will challenge the court’s ruling.

The court’s decision has sparked public outcry, with feminist groups organizing protests in Barcelona last week, where hundreds of demonstrators expressed their dissatisfaction with the ruling. Spanish Deputy Prime Minister Maria Jesus Montero criticized the decision, calling it “a step backwards” and a “shame” that the testimony of a rape victim was still being questioned in the modern age.

Alves, who spent over a year in jail following his arrest in January 2023, was released in March 2024 after posting a €1 million bail pending his appeal. During his football career, the legendary right-back earned numerous accolades, including three UEFA Champions League titles and six La Liga trophies with Barcelona. He also won league titles with Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain and earned 126 caps for Brazil.

The case continues to attract widespread attention, as many await the outcome of the appeal process.