Brazilian High Court Upholds Robinho’s Nine-Year Prison Sentence for Rape Conviction
Former AC Milan and Brazilian football star Robinho faced a significant legal setback on Wednesday, as the Superior Court of Justice (STJ) in Brasilia, Brazil’s highest court for non-constitutional matters, upheld his nine-year prison sentence for a rape conviction. This decision comes after the validation of his conviction by both the Italian appeals court and the country’s Supreme Court in 2020 and 2022, respectively.
Background of the Case:
Robinho and five other Brazilians were found guilty by a Milan court in 2017 for gang raping a woman in 2013 following an alcohol-induced incident at a discotheque. The initial conviction was confirmed by the appeals court two years later, and Italy’s Supreme Court validated it in 2022.
However, as Brazil rarely extradites its citizens, Italy requested that Robinho serve his prison sentence in his home country last year. The 40-year-old football star, whose full name is Robson de Souza, has always denied the allegations.
Brazilian Court’s Decision:
The STJ ruled in a majority decision that Italy’s judgment was valid within Brazil’s legal system. The court did not reopen discussions about the rape conviction itself, focusing solely on its legitimacy in Brazilian law. However, Robinho expressed hope that the court would consider the merits of the case during an interview broadcast on a local TV station on Sunday.
Robinho’s Response:
In his interview, Robinho expressed his belief in being wrongfully convicted in Italy for a crime that did not occur. Despite this setback, he vowed to surrender to authorities when officially notified about the decision.
Impact on Football Career:
This legal development will significantly impact Robinho’s football career, as he faces a lengthy prison sentence in his home country. The former striker currently resides in Brazil and has been barred from playing professional football until the conclusion of his legal proceedings.
In summary, the Superior Court of Justice in Brasilia upheld Robinho’s nine-year prison sentence for a rape conviction that was initially handed down by an Italian court. Despite his denial of the allegations, the Brazilian legal system will enforce this ruling, leading to significant consequences for Robinho’s personal and professional life.
