Former FC Barcelona and Sevilla FC defender Dani Alves is due to stand trial for rape and sexual assault in February, when he will have spent a year in custody due to his flight risk.
The trial, however, was compromised by his mother, who allegedly leaked photos of the alleged victim. The case has been ongoing since last January, when Alves went to the police to be arrested following an incident at a Barcelona nightclub. He maintains his innocence, but has changed his testimony four times. His ex-wife and mother have vouched for him, publicly saying he is innocent.
Alves’ mother, Lucia Alves, could face legal trouble, however. According to El Periodico, she published a video where the victim is seen dancing with friends and celebrating a birthday. The video is not related to the incident itself, but is an old recording. During the video, with material obtained from the victim’s social media, a narration attacks him, criticizing his nightlife habits in an attempt to make Alves appear innocent. The victim may well be a minor in some of the documents, and his mother, who is also expected to testify, also appears in some of the videos. The videos were also broadcast in Brazil, according to Sport.
The judge in charge of the case ordered that the victim remain anonymous, in accordance with her rights and the legal process, which cannot be compromised as a result. Needless to say, this could cause enormous psychological damage and lead to online harassment. The criminal sanction for “revealing secrets” can range from three months to one year in prison, or from six months to one year of fine, depending on income. If it is a lighter offense, the fine can be between one and three months of average income.
