In a significant legal turnaround, former Barcelona football star Dani Alves has been acquitted of sexual assault by the Superior Court of Justice of Catalonia (TSJC) on March 28, 2025. This ruling comes after Alves, previously sentenced to four and a half years in prison for an incident that occurred on December 31, 2022, at the Sutton nightclub in Barcelona, spent 14 months in custody.
Alves' lawyer, Inés Guardiola, expressed her elation following the court's decision, stating, "Finally, justice has been done. We are very happy. He is innocent, and this has been proven." Her comments reflect a sense of vindication for both her and her client, who had maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings.
The case had drawn significant media attention, with the initial conviction stemming from allegations that Alves sexually assaulted a young woman during a New Year's Eve celebration. The Barcelona Court had sentenced him to a lengthy prison term based on the testimony of the complainant. However, the TSJC found that the evidence presented at trial did not meet the necessary standards to uphold the conviction.
In its ruling, the TSJC, which included three women and one man, unanimously stated that the complainant's testimony was insufficient to support the conviction. The court emphasized the importance of preserving the presumption of innocence, noting that the evidence did not convincingly corroborate the allegations. The ruling highlighted discrepancies and inconsistencies in the complainant's account, particularly regarding aspects that could be objectively verified through video evidence.
Guardiola pointed out that the court's decision to overturn the conviction also dismissed appeals from the Prosecutor's Office, which sought to increase Alves' sentence to nine years, and from the private prosecution, which aimed for a twelve-year term. The TSJC's ruling effectively nullified the previous court's findings, leading to the revocation of the protective measures that had been imposed, including a prohibition on Alves approaching the victim.
Reflecting on the case, Guardiola remarked, "We expected this outcome. We believed in Dani's innocence, and it has been demonstrated. We are very emotional about this result." She also indicated that while she has not yet reviewed the full details of the ruling, she is aware that it is not final and could potentially be appealed to the Supreme Court.
Alves had been in pre-trial detention since January 20, 2023, before being granted provisional release on March 25, 2024, after posting a bail of one million euros. During his time in custody, he faced strict conditions, including weekly court appearances.
The acquittal marks a pivotal moment for Alves, who has faced significant public scrutiny and media coverage during the trial. His supporters have long argued for his innocence, and the recent ruling seems to validate their claims. The case has sparked discussions about the complexities of sexual assault allegations and the judicial process, particularly in high-profile cases involving celebrities.
As the legal proceedings continue to unfold, Guardiola has not ruled out the possibility of seeking compensation for Alves, although she has yet to make a formal decision on this matter. The focus now shifts to the implications of this ruling for both Alves and the broader conversation surrounding sexual assault cases.
In summary, Dani Alves' acquittal represents a significant legal victory and a moment of relief for the former footballer and his legal team. The TSJC's decision underscores the importance of fair trial standards and the presumption of innocence, particularly in cases that garner widespread public attention. As the dust settles on this high-profile case, the ramifications for all parties involved remain to be seen.
