Ronaldinho set to remain imprisoned as key witness fails to attend hearing due to coronavirus
Ronaldinho Gaucho and his brother Roberto are expected to remain imprisoned in Paraguay. There was hope they could have been released after Wednesday’s hearing. Sadly, key witness, Dalia Lopez failed to attend it due to coronavirus spread, as Diario Sport report.
Dalia’s lawyers and the personal doctor explained that she is considered part of the ‘at risk’ group because she suffers from diabetes and high blood pressure.
As a reminder, Ronaldinho and his brother Robert have been jailed by Paraguay authorities pending trial for their attempt to enter the country with fake passports on March 6. According to the reports, it was Dalia Lopez who organized their visit and issued the false documents.
Moreover, Dalia is accused of leading an organized crime gang. Her potential testimonial could have seen Ronaldinho and his brother released.
The duo are currently at the Agrupacion Especializada facility in Asuncion. It’s a maximum-security prison with 200-inmate capacity – drug traffickers, police, politicians and white-collar criminals.
The pre-trial detention can last up to six months, as multiple sources say. However, both are expected to serve real prison sentences for their crime.
Ronaldinho played for Barcelona between 2003 and 2008. He scored 94 goals in 207 appearances as a Blaugrana and won four trophies. During his Blaugrana times, he also claimed the Ballon d’Or. He was the last Barca player before Leo Messi to win this award in 2005.
Source: Fc Barcelona
