The trial of Dani Alves begins this Monday. The first session is scheduled for 10:00 am (9:00 am in mainland Portugal) and will take place at the Audiência Provincial de Barcelona. The Brazilian player is responsible for alleged sexual abuse, in a case that dates back to the night of December 30th to 31st, 2022, when the Brazilian defender allegedly sexually assaulted a 23-year-old girl at a nightclub in Barcelona, Spain.
Dani Alves has been in pre-trial detention since January 20, 2023. The footballer’s defense also requested parole, which was denied by the courts due to the high risk of escape. And for the first session, more than 270 journalists from all over the world are accredited. The media will be able to follow the entire trial in an adjacent room, via a television available on site. However, journalists are not authorized to collect images or sounds. They will only be able to transmit, in writing and live, the statements of the player and witnesses.
The authorities have even more measures planned to preserve, above all, the victim’s identity, meaning journalists will not be able to see the 23-year-old girl’s testimony. This will be the only part of the trial closed to the media. To avoid possible disclosure of the victim’s identity, the voice will be distorted and the image pixelated. A screen will also separate Dani Alves from the woman to avoid any type of eye contact during the process.
The player faces a maximum sentence of 12 years in prison. The defense will use the alcohol that the Brazilian drank as a mitigating factor and will also present the club tickets to prove the case.
The Superior Court of Justice of Catalonia reported that, this Monday, the preliminary interrogation phase will take place: six witnesses have been named and, in principle, the player’s testimony will take place. On Tuesday, the day will be dedicated to testimonial evidence and 22 witnesses will be called out of a total of 28. On Wednesday, expert evidence will be presented.
By Record