Trial of Spain’s princess, husband enters final day

FILE - In this In this March 3, 2016 file image taken from court TV, Spain's Princess Cristina gives evidence in a tax fraud trial in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. Princess Cristina is in court on Tuesday June 14, 2016 for final defense arguments in her trial for tax fraud that also includes her husband and 15 others charged with an alleged scheme to defraud millions in public contracts for sports events and conferences. A panel of judges could take weeks or months to issue verdicts. (Provincial Court of the Balearic Islands video pool via AP, File) TV OUT

In this March 3 image taken from court TV, Spain’s Princess Cristina gives evidence in a tax fraud trial in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. Princess Cristina is in court on June 14 for final defense arguments in her trial for tax fraud that also includes her husband and 15 others charged with an alleged scheme to defraud millions in public contracts for sports events and conferences. A panel of judges could take weeks or months to issue verdicts. AP

MADRID—Spain’s Princess Cristina, her husband Inaki Urdangarin and 15 other defendants are in court for what is likely to be the final day of a nearly six-month trial on charges of tax fraud and corruption.

Defense lawyers were wrapping up final arguments Wednesday. After that the accused may make final comments before the court adjourns to deliberate on verdicts, which could take months.

The trial centers on accusations that Urdangarin used his former title, Duke of Palma, to embezzle about 6 million euros ($6.6 million) in public funds for the nonprofit Noos Institute he ran with a partner that put on sport conferences.

An anticorruption group recommends Cristina be jailed for eight years while the state prosecutor suggested an administrative fine for the tax-fraud charges against her.

Read more...