Madrid: Prosecutors in Spain said they would ask a court to sentence Colombian pop star Shakira to eight years and two months in prison, if she is convicted in her expected trial for alleged tax fraud.
Shakira, whose full name is Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, is charged with failing to pay the Spanish government €14.5 million ($21 million) in taxes between 2012 and 2014. The prosecutors said they would also seek a fine of €24 million.
Shakira poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film ‘Elvis’ at the 75th international film festival, Cannes, in May.Credit:AP
The indication details six charges against Shakira. The singer this week rejected a settlement deal offered by prosecutors, opting to go to trial instead. A trial date has yet to be set.
Her publicists in London said in a statement on Saturday (AEST) that Shakira “has always cooperated and abided by the law, demonstrating impeccable conduct as an individual and a taxpayer.” The publicists accused the Spanish Tax Agency of violating her rights.
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Shakira’s Spanish public relations team said earlier this week that the artist has deposited the amount she is said to owe, including €3 million in interest.
Prosecutors in Barcelona have alleged the Grammy winner spent more than half of each year between 2012 and 2014 in Spain and should have paid taxes in the country.
Shakira recently ended an 11-year-long relationship with FC Barcelona star Gerard Piqué, with whom she has two children. The family used to live in Barcelona.
AP