Dani Alves released from Barcelona prison amid appeal
Brazilian soccer star Dani Alves was released from a Spanish prison on Monday after a Barcelona court approved his bail request. This decision comes while he appeals his 4 1/2-year sentence for raping a woman in a nightclub in late 2022.
Alves managed to secure the €1 million ($1.08 million) bail required for his release after several days, also surrendering his two passports to the court as part of the conditions for his freedom.
Since his pre-trial detention in January 2023, Alves has served roughly one-quarter of his sentence, with the court now considering him less of a flight risk, contingent on his commitment not to flee during the appeal. Despite one judge's objection, the court has restricted him from contacting the victim or approaching her vicinity and mandated weekly check-ins with local authorities.
However, Spanish prosecutors are contesting the release, arguing that Alves poses a greater flight risk after his conviction. Ester Garcia, representing the victim, expressed deep dissatisfaction with the decision, criticizing it as favorable treatment towards the affluent. She pointed out the court's minimal sentencing and the €150,000 reparations to the victim as evidence of biased justice.
Garcia and the victim are seeking to overturn the sentence, advocating for a harsher penalty against Alves, who they accuse of violent rape and coerced sexual acts in December 2022. Alves initially denied knowing the victim and later offered conflicting accounts, ultimately claiming he believed the encounter was consensual despite being highly intoxicated.
Alves's life post-release contrasts sharply with his prior status. Following his arrest, the 40-year-old was dismissed from his position at Mexican club Pumas, where he was reportedly earning $300,000 monthly. His marriage to model Joana Sanz has also been under strain, with Sanz considering divorce as the case unfolded, leaving their current relationship status uncertain.
