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Robinho's request to be released on bail has been turned down as the former footballer looks set to remain in prison.
Former Brazilian footballer Robinho will remain in prison after the Brazilian Supreme Court rejected his appeal for habeas corpus.
The ex-Real Madrid and Milan star has been locked up in São Paulo since March, serving time for his role in a gang rape that took place back in 2013.
The court's decision is a significant setback for Robinho, who had hoped to be released while his legal team fights the conviction.
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According to a report from Dario AS, supreme Court judge Luis Fux, who acted as the rapporteur for the case, dismissed the appeal on grounds that there were no constitutional violations in the handling of Robinho's case.
The former footballer’s defense team had argued that since the crimes occurred in Italy, Brazilian authorities might lack jurisdiction to enforce the Italian sentence, and thus, Robinho should be released until the Supreme Court makes a final ruling.
However, Fux's ruling means the legal proceedings will be paused indefinitely, keeping Robinho behind bars for the time being.
His legal representatives still have avenues for another appeal, suggesting that the saga might drag on further.
Robinho's conviction and Brazilian response
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Robinho's legal woes began in January 2022 when he was sentenced to nine years in prison by an Italian court for gang-raping an Albanian woman.
The court described the assault as particularly egregious, with the victim being incapacitated and unable to resist.
Following the verdict, Robinho fled Italy and sought refuge in Brazil, because there was no extradition agreement between the two countries.
However, Robinho’s sentence in Italy was recently upheld by the Brazilian High Court.
President Lula da Silva has publicly condemned Robinho's actions, emphasizing that the former footballer's fame and wealth do not exempt him from punishment.
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“Robinho has already been convicted in Italy and should have served his sentence here,” said Lula. “I hope he pays the price for his irresponsibility. All people who commit the crime of rape should go to prison.”
During his playing days, Robinho won one Copa América title and two FIFA Confederations Cups with the Brazil national team, and played at two FIFA World Cups.
He also enjoyed spells with Manchester City, AC Milan, Atletico Mineiro, Sivasspor, Istanbul Basaksehir, and Santos at club level.
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