Inside 'hell-on-earth' prison where Ex-Real Madrid star Robinho will spend the next 9 years

Following his conviction for rape in Italy, former Manchester City, Real Madrid, and AC Milan star Robinho has been sentenced to nine years in prison. Despite his claims of innocence, the Italian courts ruled against him, leading to his impending incarceration.

Robinho had managed to evade justice in Italy for several years following the 2013 incident in Milan. Despite the conviction hanging over him, he continued to assert his innocence. However, the legal proceedings eventually caught up with him, culminating in his arrest by Brazilian authorities.

Due to Brazil's lack of an extradition policy, Robinho was able to live freely in his home country. However, a recent decision by the Supreme Court paved the way for his sentence to be transferred to Brazil, where he will serve his nine-year term.

Reports from Madrid-based newspaper Marca paint a grim picture of the prison where Robinho will be incarcerated, describing it as 'hell on earth.' Brazil's prison system suffers from severe overcrowding, with conditions characterized by sexual violence, drug gangs, and poor hygiene. The prisons are often packed far beyond their capacity, with inmates controlling the facilities through violence and intimidation.

Maria Laura Canineu, Director of Human Rights Watch, has highlighted the dire situation in Brazil's prisons, particularly in Pernambuco. Overcrowding exacerbates issues of violence and unsanitary conditions, creating a challenging environment for both inmates and authorities.

As Robinho prepares to serve his sentence in Brazil, the spotlight once again shines on the systemic issues plaguing the country's prison system. While justice may have been served in the eyes of the law, questions remain about the adequacy of rehabilitation and the protection of inmates' rights within the Brazilian penal system.