Dani Alves Acquitted of Sexual Assault: Political and Legal Reactions Emerge
The acquittal of former FC Barcelona player Dani Alves sparks controversy and political statements regarding gender violence and women's rights.
On Friday, the High Court of Justice of Catalonia (TSJC) acquitted Dani Alves, the former FC Barcelona player, of sexual assault charges against a young woman, a decision that has prompted political backlash and renewed discussions on gender violence.
Alves had previously been sentenced to four years and six months in prison by the Provincial Court of Barcelona in February 2024 and spent 430 days in pretrial detention.
He is currently released on provisional bail.
The unanimous decision by the appeal court found flaws in the initial ruling, citing 'gaps, imprecisions, inconsistencies, and contradictions’ in the assessment of the evidence and legal implications.
The panel of judges included noted progressive jurists, with Judge Àngels Vivas, who authored the 101-page ruling, presiding over the case.
Following the ruling, María Jesús Montero, the Secretary General of the PSOE-A and Minister of Finance, expressed her discontent during the inauguration of the 16th Provincial Congress of the PSOE in Jaén. She labeled the acquittal a 'disgrace' and emphasized that the presumption of innocence should not outweigh the testimonies of women who bravely come forward to report assault.
Montero stated, 'We want to tell this woman that we stand with her and with all those who confront giants to claim their dignity.'
Montero further criticized the ruling as a setback in the fight against gender violence, referring to the ongoing struggle for women's rights and equality.
She remarked on the advancements made by the PSOE in recognizing women's rights, addressing pay gaps, pensions, and the experiencing of discrimination throughout their lives.
In a related response, Ester García, the lawyer representing the complainant, announced intentions to appeal the acquittal to the Supreme Court.
García conveyed the complainant's feelings of disappointment and distress, noting that the ruling could discourage other victims of sexual assault from coming forward.
She highlighted that the focus remains on her client’s 'emotional recovery,' while recognizing the potential duration of the appeal process, which could extend for up to a year.
The legal community continues to monitor the developments in this significant case, reflecting broader societal issues surrounding gender-based violence and justice.
Alves had previously been sentenced to four years and six months in prison by the Provincial Court of Barcelona in February 2024 and spent 430 days in pretrial detention.
He is currently released on provisional bail.
The unanimous decision by the appeal court found flaws in the initial ruling, citing 'gaps, imprecisions, inconsistencies, and contradictions’ in the assessment of the evidence and legal implications.
The panel of judges included noted progressive jurists, with Judge Àngels Vivas, who authored the 101-page ruling, presiding over the case.
Following the ruling, María Jesús Montero, the Secretary General of the PSOE-A and Minister of Finance, expressed her discontent during the inauguration of the 16th Provincial Congress of the PSOE in Jaén. She labeled the acquittal a 'disgrace' and emphasized that the presumption of innocence should not outweigh the testimonies of women who bravely come forward to report assault.
Montero stated, 'We want to tell this woman that we stand with her and with all those who confront giants to claim their dignity.'
Montero further criticized the ruling as a setback in the fight against gender violence, referring to the ongoing struggle for women's rights and equality.
She remarked on the advancements made by the PSOE in recognizing women's rights, addressing pay gaps, pensions, and the experiencing of discrimination throughout their lives.
In a related response, Ester García, the lawyer representing the complainant, announced intentions to appeal the acquittal to the Supreme Court.
García conveyed the complainant's feelings of disappointment and distress, noting that the ruling could discourage other victims of sexual assault from coming forward.
She highlighted that the focus remains on her client’s 'emotional recovery,' while recognizing the potential duration of the appeal process, which could extend for up to a year.
The legal community continues to monitor the developments in this significant case, reflecting broader societal issues surrounding gender-based violence and justice.
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