Dani Alves' Rape Conviction Overturned by Barcelona Appeals Court

The court cited inconsistencies in the accuser's testimony and insufficient evidence while rejecting a prosecution appeal for a harsher sentence.

Dani Alves' four-and-a-half-year prison sentence for rape was annulled by a Barcelona appeals court on March 28, 2025.
The court highlighted contradictions in the accuser's testimony and a lack of objective evidence, including surveillance footage that conflicted with her account.
The decision does not confirm Alves' version of events but reflects the insufficiency of evidence to uphold his conviction.
A separate appeal by the prosecution seeking to increase Alves' sentence to nine years was also rejected by the court.
The case has reignited public debate in Spain over systemic issues in addressing sexual violence, with feminist groups criticizing the judicial system.