Former Brazilian football star Ronaldinho, detained in Paraguay for more than five months for using false official documents, has been released, the judge in charge of the case announced on Monday (August 24th). The magistrate also granted the release of the brother of the ex-Brazilian player, Roberto de Assis Moreira. The two men had been in detention since March 6.

Ronaldinho, "is free to travel to whatever country in the world he (he) pleases, but he will have to make it known if he changes his permanent address" for a period of one year, the magistrate said. "From now on, the measure of deprivation of liberty is lifted. (Ronaldinho) is not subject to any restriction, except that of compensation for damages to society," he added.

Wearing a black beret, wearing a shirt of the same color and jeans, the former player told the judge to "accept" the proposal of the prosecution for a "conditional suspension of the proceedings" since the sanction envisaged does not exceed two years. The prosecution demanded payment by Ronaldinho of a fine of $ 90,000 for "damage to society". 

Falsified passports

After being detained in a police station in Asuncion, where the Ballon d'Or 2005 celebrated its 40th birthday on March 21, the two brothers had been under house arrest for almost five months in a luxury hotel in the capital, against the deposit. bond of $ 1.6 million. 

Coming in particular to promote a book, they are accused of having entered Paraguay in possession of forged passports. Some 18 people have already been arrested in connection with the case, most of them immigration officials or police.

Defense sources have indicated that Ronaldinho and his brother will travel to Brazil on a private flight as soon as possible, once the corresponding clearances have been obtained. 

With AFP

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