In a significant legal development, former Manchester City and Real Madrid footballer Robinho has been ordered to face the music. Judges in Brasilia ruled nine votes to two in favor of upholding an Italian court’s decision, mandating Robinho to serve his nine-year rape sentence within Brazil. This verdict grants an Italian request for Robinho to fulfill his sentence in his home country.
Robinho Rape Case: Former Footballer to Serve 9-Year Sentence in Brazil
The ruling stems from a dark incident in 2013, when Robinho, then playing for AC Milan, was accused of involvement in the gang rape of a 23-year-old Albanian woman during a birthday celebration at a Milan nightclub. Robson de Souza, more popularly known as Robinho, was found guilty by an Italian court in 2017.
Brazil Court Upholds Robinho’s Conviction for Gang Rape in Italy
Despite his absence at the recent hearing on Wednesday, Robinho’s lawyers confirmed his current liberty would be upheld while he considers a potential appeal against the judgment. Robinho Loses Appeal: To Serve Sentence in Brazil for 2013 Milan Nightclub Assault
Robinho, 40, experienced legal hurdles, including Italy’s top court affirming his sentence in 2022. Brazil declined extradition, opting for local sentence enforcement. Italy’s rejection of Robinho’s appeal in 2020 prompted the issuance of an international arrest warrant against him.
Robinho Maintains Innocence Despite Sentence: Claims Racial Bias in Italian Justice System
Throughout the legal proceedings, Robinho has vehemently maintained his innocence. He insists that the encounter was consensual. In a recent interview with Brazilian network TV Record, he explained his decision not to refute the encounter itself, despite the absence of his DNA at the scene. Robinho further went on to criticize the Italian justice system, alleging racial bias in his case.
This verdict marks a significant development in the Robinho rape case. With the Brazilian court upholding the conviction, Robinho faces the possibility of serving his nine-year sentence in his home country. However, the option of an appeal remains on the table.
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