MADRID (AP) – Spanish prosecutors said Friday 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 long-awaited trial for alleged tax fraud.
Shakira, whose full name is Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, is accused of failing to pay the Spanish government 14.5 million euros ($15 million) in taxes between 2012 and 2014. Prosecutors said they will also ask for a fine of 24 million euros ($24 million). ).
The indictment 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 not yet been set.
Her publicists in London said in a statement Friday that Shakira “has always cooperated and respected the law, demonstrating impeccable conduct as an individual and as a taxpayer.” The publicists accused the Spanish Tax Agency of violating their rights.
Shakira’s Spanish PR team said earlier this week that the artist has paid the amount owed to her, including 3 million euros in interest.
Prosecutors in Barcelona have alleged that 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 relationship with FC Barcelona star Gerard Piqué, with whom she has two children. The family used to live in Barcelona.