Robinho went through the court and already knows the sentence of the Appellate Court of Milan, as reported by Globoesporte. The court confirmed that they have been sentenced to nine years in prison for the collective rape of an Albanian woman, in the early hours of January 22-23, 2013, in a nightclub in Milan called Sio Café, published the daily newspaper AS from Spain.
Robinho's defense presented a 65-page appeal, 19 annexes, and 4 different technical studies. Robinho's defense lawyer said there is no evidence that the victim is in a condition of psychological and physical inferiority. For Robinho's defense, it is impossible to prove that, between 30 and 50 minutes, six people committed a sexual act without the consent of the young woman.
The case will not end with this sentence
Although this points to Robinho as guilty again, the footballer still has the opportunity to file another appeal within the Italian judicial system, up to the Court of Cassation. This third-instance sentence would be final.
The possibility of Robinho serving the sentence is yet to be seen. According to Globoesporte, the Appeal Court that initiates the process this Thursday could decree preventive detention or house arrest, but international relations will play their role.
The court could order his arrest, but this, as usual, would not serve, since Brazil does not extradite its citizens and the player is currently residing in his native country.
Thus, Italy would be forced to issue an international arrest warrant to try to enforce Robinho's sentence, if it happens and even if it is not final. If the Brazilian enters the European Union, he could also be arrested and taken to Italy.
At the sports level, this case already cost Robinho his return to Santos. On October 17th, the Brazilian club suspended his signing after the conviction in the first instance.
"If in any way I am bothering, it is better that I leave and focus on my personal affairs. I will prove my innocence to the Peixao fans and those who like me," added the player through his social networks. In 2009, he was already accused of sexual abuse while playing in England and was eventually acquitted.
The club also suffered the loss of several sponsors, while it is immersed in a major financial crisis. (D)