Barcelona, Spain - A surprising turn of events unfolded on March 28, 2025, when the appeals chamber of the Superior Court of Justice of Catalonia (TSJC) acquitted Brazilian ex-footballer Dani Alves of sexual assault charges that had previously led to a four-and-a-half-year prison sentence. The unanimous decision by the appeals section overturned the initial ruling, citing significant valuation deficits that undermined the reliability of the victim's testimony.
Alves, who had been in provisional release after posting bail of one million euros (approximately 21 million Mexican pesos), can now leave Spain following the ruling. The court determined that the evidence against him presented several gaps, inaccuracies, inconsistencies, and contradictions regarding the alleged incident, which took place in December 2022 at the Sutton nightclub in Barcelona.
Initially convicted of sexually assaulting a 23-year-old woman in a private bathroom at the nightclub, Alves had been sentenced to four and a half years in prison by the Barcelona Court. However, the TSJC found that the prosecution's case was lacking in substantial proof, leading to the decision to acquit him. According to the TSJC, the evidence presented during the trial did not meet the standards required to overcome the presumption of innocence as mandated by European directives.
In its ruling, the court highlighted the disparity between the complainant's account and the video evidence from the nightclub, which showed Alves dancing and interacting with the young woman prior to the alleged assault. The TSJC noted that the initial trial had already indicated a lack of reliability in the victim's testimony, as her statements did not align with what was captured on video.
"The divergence between the complainant's account and the actual events significantly compromises the credibility of her testimony," the TSJC stated. It further criticized the earlier ruling for accepting the victim's narrative while ignoring inconsistencies that were evident in the available evidence.
Inés Guardiola, Alves' lawyer, expressed relief and joy over the court's decision, stating, "We are very happy; justice has been served, and it has been demonstrated that Alves is innocent." Meanwhile, the victim's attorney, Ester García, expressed disappointment, suggesting that the ruling reflects a bias in favor of wealthy defendants. García lamented, "It is justice for the rich. It conveys a sense of impunity."
The TSJC's ruling allows Alves to leave Spain as it lifted all restrictions, including travel bans and restraining orders, while also addressing the previously mandated compensation of 150,000 euros to the victim.
During the trial, the prosecution had sought a nine-year prison sentence for Alves, but the initial sentence was reduced due to his demonstrated good behavior. The court's decision to acquit him has sparked discussions about the nature of justice in high-profile cases, particularly those involving public figures.
In a statement on social media, Alves' mother, María Lucia, expressed her gratitude, saying, "I thank my God for everything. Glory to God, all honor and glory to you, my Lord. Finally, justice has been done. I am with Dani Alves. We are very happy. He is innocent. It has been proven. Justice has spoken."
The ruling can still be appealed to the Spanish Supreme Court, leaving the door open for further legal proceedings. As the case continues to unfold, it raises important questions about the legal system's handling of sexual assault cases, particularly those involving celebrities and the potential impact of public perception on judicial outcomes.
As the dust settles on this high-profile case, it remains to be seen how it will influence future legal actions and the ongoing dialogue surrounding issues of consent, reliability of witness testimonies, and the broader implications for justice in society.
