Shakira Faces 8-Year Jail Term In Spain Over Tax Fraud Charge

Spanish authorities are likely to sentence Colombian pop star Shakira to 8 years in prison for tax fraud.

Following Shakira’s rejection of a plea agreement on charges of tax evasion, Spanish prosecutors announced Friday that they would seek a prison term of more than eight years for her.

In a statement released through her attorneys on Wednesday, she rejected a plea agreement, declaring that she was “absolutely certain of her innocence” and had chosen to take the case to trial in the hope that her innocence would be established.

Shakira, whose full name is Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, is accused of owing the Spanish government $14.5 million ($15 million) in unpaid taxes between 2012 and 2014. The prosecutors stated that they would also seek a fine of 24 million euros ($24 million).

Shakira is accused of six crimes, according to the indictment.

According to Shakira’s public relations team, she has always complied with her tax obligations. Per to the document released, the artist has deposited the sum she is alleged to owe, along with 3 million euros in interest.

As of right now, neither a formal court referral nor a trial date have been announced.

Shakira, who has two children with FC Barcelona star Gerard Piqué, recently called it quits back in June on their 11-year relationship. The family formerly called Barcelona home.

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