Lawyer alleges financial difficulties for Dani Alves as former Barcelona and Brazil defender faces alleged rape trial

Introduction to the article: This article discusses the trial of former Barcelona, Sevilla, and Brazil defender Dani Alves, who is accused of rape and facing a potential 9-12 year prison sentence if convicted.

The Beginnings of the Trial

The first day of Dani Alves’ trial for the accusation of rape began with the 40-year-old sitting in court after spending a year in prison awaiting his trial. The trial will include 28 witnesses, including Alves’ wife Joana Sanz, who separated from him after the scandal broke. Alves’ defense also claimed that he had financial struggles, with a bank balance of negative €20k and a legal embargo on €50k worth of assets, despite reports of a fortune amounting to around €55m.

The Defense’s Claims

Alves’ defense made several claims, alleging that their client did not have the right to a fair and equal trial. They argued that Alves was not tested for alcohol and other drugs, which could have potentially reduced his sentence if found present. They also claimed that the media trial had been unfair and unequal, not reporting all the facts and portraying Alves as an aggressive rapist. The defense also disputed the number of testimonies that Alves had given, stating that it was only two rather than the reported five.

The Prosecution’s Response

The prosecution rejected the defense’s claims, asserting that Alves had been afforded all the same rights as any other person and that the only public figure involved was Alves. The judge also rejected the request for the trial to be delayed and thrown out. If convicted, Alves will face a sentence of 9-12 years in prison and be forced to pay compensation of €150k to the victim.