Former Brazil defender Dani Alves has paid 1 million euros ($1.2 million) in bail to secure his release from prison while he appeals a rape conviction, confirmed by a Spanish court on Monday.
Alves, who surrendered his passports as part of the bail conditions, is expected to be released later today. He will be subjected to strict prohibitions, including a ban on leaving Spain and any contact with the victim.
The conviction stems from an incident in December 2022, where Alves was found guilty of raping a woman in a nightclub. He received a sentence of four years and six months in prison, a verdict he vehemently denies, maintaining his innocence throughout the three-day trial.
The 40-year-old Alves has spent the past 14 months in Brians II prison, located 45 minutes from Barcelona, since authorities detained him while investigating the rape accusation.
🚨🚨| Dani Alves has been released from prison after paying his €1M bond.pic.twitter.com/sH6udoTy8i
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) March 25, 2024
Coinciding with Alves’ release, prison officers staged a protest outside Brians II, demanding improved conditions in northeastern Catalonia jails following the killing of a prison cook by an inmate at another facility.
As per bail conditions, Alves must report to court every Friday and as ordered, provide contact information for tracking purposes. He is also prohibited from being within one kilometer of the victim’s residence, workplace, or frequented locations.
Despite previous denials due to flight risk concerns, a court approved Alves’ bail last week, with a split 2-1 decision indicating reduced flight risk. However, Spain’s state prosecutors’ office in Barcelona requested a reconsideration, citing increased risk post-conviction and Brazil’s non-extradition policy.
No appeals trial date has been set yet, but proceedings are anticipated at a higher court in Barcelona, potentially escalating to the Spanish Supreme Court in Madrid. Alves’ legal team seeks acquittal, while prosecutors aim to extend his prison term to nine years. Meanwhile, the victim’s lawyer advocates for a 12-year sentence.