Appeal Court Confirms Six-Year Sentence for Footballer Manolo Portanova in Gang Rape Case
The Court of Appeal in Florence has upheld a six-year prison sentence for Manolo Portanova, a 25-year-old professional footballer playing for Reggiana, regarding his involvement in a group sexual assault. The incident occurred in May 2021 in an apartment near Piazza del Campo in Siena, where a young student alleged she was victimized by four individuals, including Portanova. Although the initial trial resulted in a conviction, the defense maintained Portanova's innocence throughout the proceedings. Following the appellate court's decision, which validated the lower court's findings after a closed-door hearing, Portanova reiterated his claim of injustice and vowed to continue his legal battle. His attorney, Gabriele Bordoni, announced plans to appeal the verdict to the Court of Cassation, Italy's highest court, marking the next stage in this high-profile legal case. Prior to the ruling, Portanova addressed his supporters via social media, emphasizing his belief in eventual justice. This confirmation of the sentence keeps the legal matter active as it moves toward a third degree of judgment.
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Appeal Court Confirms Six-Year Sentence for Footballer Manolo Portanova in Gang Rape Case
The Court of Appeal in Florence has upheld a six-year prison sentence for Manolo Portanova, a 25-year-old professional footballer playing for Reggiana, regarding his involvement in a group sexual assault. The incident occurred in May 2021 in an apartment near Piazza del Campo in Siena, where a young student alleged she was victimized by four individuals, including Portanova. Although the initial trial resulted in a conviction, the defense maintained Portanova's innocence throughout the proceedings. Following the appellate court's decision, which validated the lower court's findings after a closed-door hearing, Portanova reiterated his claim of injustice and vowed to continue his legal battle. His attorney, Gabriele Bordoni, announced plans to appeal the verdict to the Court of Cassation, Italy's highest court, marking the next stage in this high-profile legal case. Prior to the ruling, Portanova addressed his supporters via social media, emphasizing his belief in eventual justice. This confirmation of the sentence keeps the legal matter active as it moves toward a third degree of judgment.
Repubblica.it