Infanta Cristina has upset Spain once again with remarks she made leaving the courtroom at the conclusion of her trial in June.
According to Spanish paper El Mundo from eyewitnesses, she loudly stated, “What I want is that I finish this, so I do not step back in this country.” After this had come to light, many Spaniards were understandably upset.
The 22 December will mark 2 years since the High Court of the Balearic Islands announced that she and her husband, Iñaki Urdangarin would be put on trial for corruption. It has also been reported that she only speaks to her mother, Queen Sofía and sister, Infanta Elena.
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 had been a member of the board, while her husband was 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 of this year 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. If convicted, Cristina could face up to eight years in prison. Her husband, on the other hand, could be sentenced to 19.5 years if the prosecutor’s request is granted.
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, but it was moved to March 2017 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.
I do understand the infanta. Eventhough her husband didn’t act honestly, I can see the distressand hostility to her and her children. She is a human being. .. and it is said to be left alone by her relatives…