Robinho Rape Case: Authorities uphold Italian court's conviction, ex-striker to serve rape sentence in Brazil

Former Brazil striker Robinho was handed a big blow on Wednesday (Mar 20) evening after the judges of the Supreme Court of the nation ruled to uphold an Italian court's rape conviction against the footballer.

Robinho, during his time in Italy at AC Milan, was involved in a group sexual assault in 2013. Upon investigation, Robinho was found guilty and sentenced to nine years in prison. However, with the trial taking place in Italy and Robinho relinquishing his passport to Brazilian authorities, he is yet to serve the sentence.

Robinho’s rape case

On Wednesday, judges ofBrazil's Superior Court of Justice voted 9-2 to validate the conviction of the former Real Madrid man.

One of the reasons stated for conviction was the possible friction that could arise in diplomatic relations between Brazil and Italy.

Brazil doesn't extradite nationals, which led Italy to seek his imprisonment in his home nation.

One of the judges on the panel, Francisco Falcão, said Robinho should serve his sentence in Brazil.

He said the former player cannot go unpunished, addingthat diplomatic friction between Brazil and Italy could emerge if the sentence is not served.

"There's no obstacle to validate the execution of his sentence. It was confirmed by a court in Milan, which is the competent authority in this case," Falcão said.

"The conviction is final. The defendant was not put on trial in absence in Italy, he had representation."

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Robinho offers support to probe, seeks suspension of immediate arrest order

The ruling was issued by a 15-judge bench in the capital city of Brasilia, which also looked into whether Robinho is covered by the country's 2017 immigration law.

The case was also addressed by Robinho's lawyer José Eduardo Rangel de Alckim who has offered full support in the investigation but has urged the authorities to suspend the immediate arrest order.

They have also urged the sentence to be executed after the appeal decision has been made.

"Robinho is available and willing to appear anytime before the judges. If an officer gets there, he will comply. He will not oppose," Alckim said.

"Our first concern is to suspend the immediate arrest order. We will ask for the sentence to be executed after the appeal decision has been made."

(With inputs from agencies)