The former Brazilian footballer, Dani Alves, is causing quite a stir in Spain. Involved in a case of harassment and intimate violence against a young woman which resulted in over a year of prison time, the former Barcelona player was released on bail this Tuesday. Just hours after his release, he drew attention with a massive party.
Dani Alves is now a free man. Found guilty of sexual assault on a 23-year-old woman in December 2022, the former Brazilian international, who had been in prison since then, was sentenced a few weeks ago to four and a half years in prison. Eventually, his lawyer, Inès Guardiola, managed to secure his release on bail of one million euros. Rejected by the Neymar camp, who refused to foot the bill for his release since last week, Alves eventually found a solution (apparently with Memphis Depay).
The party, which lasted until 5 a.m. Last Tuesday, the former PSG player emerged from prison amidst jeers from protesters. Far from being affected by his situation, the player, who is obliged to remain in Spanish territory until the end of his sentence, quickly made headlines. As noted by the Spanish newspaper Marca, Dani Alves organized a significant party to celebrate his father’s birthday, Domingos Alves Da Silva. Alves invited several family friends and close friends for this festive evening that lasted until 5 a.m.
The case is causing a lot of uproar in Spain. For many, the quick immersion into significant festivities just hours after his release from prison represents a total disregard for the victim and her family, especially considering he is portrayed as a ruined man. Nevertheless, Dani Alves is happy to be back with his loved ones after 14 months in prison. However, in addition to paying a bail of one million euros, he surrendered his two passports (Brazilian and Spanish) through his defense, led by lawyer Inès Guardiola, and will not be allowed to leave Spanish territory.
Dani Alves’s tense situation
Watched like a hawk, he will have to be cautious in his actions and give no reason for the judges to reconsider their decision with a return to prison. One thing is certain, Dani Alves’s release from prison is very poorly received in Spain and even in Brazil. After Brazilian President Lula criticized the former Catalan, Felipe Melo expressed his indignation. The former Brazilian international, who played alongside Alves and Robinho in the national team, did not hide his anger. “I have a 15-year-old daughter. If they had done this to my family, I wouldn’t be here giving this interview. Women must be respected. They must pay for what they have done. If they are convicted, let them pay and let it be a lesson. This is a very serious matter,” explained the Fluminense player in an interview with Globoesporte. The message is clear, Melo will not go on vacation with his former teammates who inadvertently get involved with young girls.
Note that the former right-back left the fields prematurely with this case of harassment and sexual violence. While under contract with the Mexican club Pumas UNAM, Alves did not have time to bid farewell to football before getting caught up in the Spanish justice system. After over 20 years in professional football, it’s a rather sad end for the former Brazilian international (2006-2012, 126 caps for 8 goals).
Do you think Alves’ release is judicious?
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