A Brazilian court has upheld the Italian rape conviction of former footballer Robinho, ruling that he must serve his nine-year prison sentence in Brazil. The decision comes after judges on Brazil’s Superior Court of Justice voted 9-2 to validate the conviction of the ex-AC Milan and Brazil striker.
Robinho, who denies any wrongdoing, was sentenced in Italy for his involvement in a group sexual assault in 2013. Brazil does not extradite its nationals, leading Italy to seek his imprisonment in his home country.
The court also deliberated on whether Robinho fits into Brazil’s immigration law, with his lawyer announcing plans to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court. Despite maintaining his innocence and claiming consensual relations, Robinho will comply with the ruling.
The first judge to vote emphasized the importance of serving the sentence in Brazil to avoid diplomatic tensions with Italy. Robinho, who lives in Santos, Sao Paulo, surrendered his passport in 2023.
Representatives for the victim expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, believing it to be a fair resolution. Despite the inability to extradite Brazilian citizens, they underscored the importance of enforcing final sentences.
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