SUPPORT OUR JOURNALISM: Please consider donating to keep our website running and free for all - thank you!

Spain

BREAKING: Verdict in the trial of Infanta Cristina expected tomorrow

The verdict in the trial of Infanta Cristina due to be announced tomorrow following a lengthy trial in Palma de Mallorca for corruption and money fraud.

If found guilty, the King of Spain’s sister could face up to eight years in prison. Her husband, Iñaki Urdangarin, will also be sentenced tomorrow and could be sentenced to 19.5 years.

Cristina and Iñaki were accused of defrauding taxpayers of funds through embezzlement and money laundering in excess of £4.5 million through the non-profit organisation the Noos Institute. Infanta Cristina was a member of the board, and Iñaki served as the director.

Specifically, Cristina was accused of using money from the organisation for personal expenses. Iñaki was arraigned on charges of tax fraud and money laundering. He, and his business partner Diego Torres, have been accused of hugely overcharging two regional governments (The Balearic Islands and Valencia) that participated in different sporting events organised by the Noos Institute. Formal charges against him were brought in December 2011. However, charges were not brought against the Infanta until Spanish judge Jose Castro formalised the charges in June 2014. Fifteen other people besides Infanta Cristina and Iñaki have been indicted in the case, as well.

The trial began in January 2016 with the Spanish royal arguing that she knew nothing of her husband’s actions and denying the accusations that she was an accessory to tax evasion.

The Infanta and Iñaki have said they believe they are victims of a “tremendous injustice” and that they are “scapegoats.”

The verdict was expected in October 2016, but was delayed after three magistrates could not come to an agreement on whether or not to send Iñaki to prison. Spanish press have said that Infanta Cristina is cautiously optimistic that she will be acquitted of the charges against her.

Visit Royal Central tomorrow for continued coverage of Infanta Cristina’s verdict as it comes in.

Additional reporting by Brittani Barger