The former defender of Barcelona, PSG and Juventus was taken into custody without bail on suspicion of raping a girl in a nightclub toilet. He faces four to 12 years in prison.
Alves admits to having sexual relations with the club girl, but denies rape charges.
Cristobal Martell, the player’s lawyer, is confident that their appeal of the court’s no-bail decision will be granted and Alves will be released from prison within a month. He estimates that the court will have 30 days to review the defense report, request arguments from the prosecution and prosecutors and issue a decision.
According to Marca, citing the newspaper El Mundo, Alves’ lawyers believe there is evidence that the Brazilian’s sexual relationship with the girl was consensual.
The Brazilian’s defense considers the layout of the VIP area of the nightclub to be one of the arguments in favor of Alves’ version. The VIP area is accessed via a staircase next to the DJ, and the restroom where the alleged rape occurred is downstairs, closer to the exit. The attorneys believe this is one piece of evidence for Alves’ version of consensual sex.
Dani’s lawyers will give the court guarantees that the Brazilian will remain in his home in Barcelona for the duration of the case, La Vanguardia reports.
Those guarantees could include using a telematics bracelet, surrendering his passport, appearing in court every day or contributing money to cover any court costs.