Dani Alves' Accuser Appeals Overturned Rape Conviction

The woman who accused Dani Alves of rape has appealed the recent overturning of his conviction by a Barcelona appeals court, which cited inconsistencies and insufficient evidence in the original trial. Alves was initially sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison in February 2024 after being found guilty of raping a 23-year-old woman in a nightclub bathroom on December 31, 2022. Following the appeal court's decision on March 28, the public prosecutor's office in Catalonia also announced plans to contest the ruling. The complainant's lawyer stated that the reasons for the appeal will remain confidential for strategic purposes. This legal battle has ignited significant public outrage, with feminist groups organizing demonstrations and political figures criticizing the court’s decision. Alves, who was released on bail in March 2024, had previously admitted to sexual activity but claimed it was consensual.