Pop singer Shakira faces tax fraud trial in Spain

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — A Spanish judge on Tuesday approved a trial against Colombian pop star Shakira on tax fraud charges.

Spanish prosecutors charged the entertainer in 2018 with failing to pay 14.5 million euros ($13.9 million) in taxes on earnings between 2012 and 2014. Prosecutors are seeking an eight-year sentence and a hefty fine if she is convicted of tax evasion.

Shakira, 45, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and refused to strike a deal with authorities to avoid trial. Her public relations firm said she had paid everything owed and an additional 3 million euros ($2.8 million) in interest.

The court in the town of Esplugues de Llobregat near Barcelona said Shakira faces six counts of tax fraud. A trial date has not yet been set.

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