Brazilian footballer Dani Alves was granted temporary release from jail on Monday, following the posting of a 1 million euro ($1.2 million) bail during his appeal against a rape conviction, according to a statement from a Spanish court.
The ex-Barcelona defender, who has relinquished his passports as part of his release conditions due to the prosecution’s concerns over a potential escape, was convicted last month for raping a woman in a nightclub in December 2022. He received a sentence of four years and six months but has maintained his innocence throughout the trial.
Alves has been in custody for the past 14 months at Brians II prison, located roughly 45 minutes from Barcelona, where he was held pre-trial on the rape charge.
Under the terms of his release, Alves is banned from leaving Spain and must avoid any contact with the victim. This directive includes physical proximity and communication.
The decision to release Alves comes amid protests for improved jail conditions by prison officers outside Brians II, following a recent inmate attack on a prison cook in another facility.
Alves is now obliged to report to the court every Friday and provide a contact number to ensure his availability for any sudden court summons. Furthermore, he is restricted from being within 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) of any place frequented by the victim, including her home and workplace.
This bail decision, which overturned all previous denials due to flight risk concerns, was divided among judges with a 2-1 vote, indicating a perceived decrease in flight risk.
However, the Spanish state prosecutors’ office in Barcelona has requested a court review of this bail decision, arguing the conviction heightens the risk of Alves fleeing. They advocate for his continued detainment during the appeal process, emphasizing Brazil’s policy against extraditing its nationals.
No schedule has been set for the appeal hearing in a higher Barcelona court, which could eventually lead to the Spanish supreme court in Madrid. Alves’ defense team is pushing for his exoneration, while the prosecution seeks to extend his sentence to nine years, and the victim’s legal representation is calling for a 12-year imprisonment.
