Robinho convicted of rape: To serve 9 years in prison

12PUNTO FOREIGN NEWS

Former Brazilian football star Robinho has been convicted for his role in the sexual assault of a young woman in Italy. The Brazilian Superior Court of Justice ruled that Robinho, who was previously sentenced to prison in Italy, will not be extradited, but that his 9-year prison sentence handed down in Italy will be enforced in Brazil. The famous footballer, who played for clubs such as Milan and Manchester City, will serve his sentence in his home country of Brazil.

Robinho was tried in Italy in 2017 and sentenced to nine years in prison for his role in a 'gang sexual assault' against a young woman in 2013, while he was playing for AC Milan.

Italian authorities had applied to Brazil, which does not extradite its citizens to other countries under its constitution, requesting that Robinho be tried in his home country.

Judges of the Brazilian Superior Court of Justice ruled by a vote of 9 to 2 that Robinho should be imprisoned.

Robinho can still appeal to the Brazilian Supreme Federal Court. The famous footballer's lawyer, Jose Eduardo Alckmin, had told the court at the beginning of Wednesday's hearing that his client wanted a 'retrial' in Brazil on the grounds of 'national sovereignty'.

Judge Francisco Falcao of the Brazilian Superior Court of Justice announced that Robinho must serve his sentence in Brazil. Falcao added that the former player could not go unpunished and that a failure to enforce the sentence could lead to diplomatic friction between Brazil and Italy.

The Brazilian footballer also played for Medipol Başakşehir and Demir Grup Sivasspor in Turkey.

News Source: 12punto