Brazil’s President condemns rape, as Robinho awaits judgement on sexual offence

A Brazilian court will determine on March 20th whether former Manchester City and Real Madrid striker Robinho will face imprisonment in his home country. 

The decision comes after Robinho was handed a jail term in 2017 for his involvement in a group sexual assault.

Brazil’s President, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, expressed his stance on the matter, stressing the gravity of the crime and the necessity for accountability. 

In an interview on Monday, President Lula da Silva stated, “Everyone who commits rape must be imprisoned. Rape is an unforgivable crime, so people have to be condemned. They have to be on trial, and they have to be convicted.”

The President condemned the actions of those who perpetrate such crimes, particularly individuals with wealth and fame. “So a man, a young man who has money, a rich young man, a famous young man, committing a rape, and collectively one, and who thinks he hasn’t committed a crime, thinks he was drunk? Shame on you,” he remarked.

Robinho, along with five others, were found guilty of gang-raping a woman after reportedly plying her with alcohol. 

The conviction was initially made in 2017, confirmed by an Appeal Court in 2020, and upheld by Italy’s supreme court in January 2022. Robinho was handed a nine-year sentence for his involvement in the crime.

Despite the international legal proceedings, Brazil does not typically extradite its citizens when sentenced in other countries. Consequently, the country’s Superior Court of Justice will play a pivotal role in determining whether Robinho will serve his sentence in Brazil.

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