Spain’s Princess Cristina is appealing against her embezzlement charges.
The 49-year-old royal – who appeared in court in March this year over alleged tax evasion and money laundering offences linked with her husband, Inaki Urdangarin and the firm Aizoon, which she co-owns – has decided to appeal against the charges that were formalised by a judge last week.
Princess Cristina – the sister of Spain’s King Felipe VI, who was sworn in last month following the abdication of their father Juan Carlos – was originally supposed to give evidence in the case until the investigating judge, Jose Castro, decided she should be tried alongside her husband and other suspects.
Inaki Urdangarin is accused of embezzling millions in public funds with a former business partner and Cristina is believed to have knowingly benefitted from the scheme, reports the BBC.
The court announced via text message yesterday (02.07.14): "Princess Cristina’s defence has lodged an appeal with the Court of Palma."
Her lawyer Miquel Roca explained: "It is not a problem of optimism or pessimism, it is a question of absolute conviction of the innocence of our client."
If convicted by the provincial court in Palma de Mallorca, the mother of four could face up to 11 years in jail.
Princess Cristina appeals against embezzlement charges
