Shakira faces jail over taxes

POP star Shakira is facing prison for alleged tax fraud.

The singer is charged with failing to pay the Spanish government €14.5million (£ 12.2million), between 2012 and

2014. Prosecutors are seeking a sentence of eight years and two months, and a €24million (£ 20.2million) fine over six charges. This week, the Colombian star rejected a settlement deal, opting to go to trial.

Her team said she has always fulfilled her tax duties, and has paid what she is said to owe, plus €3million (£2.5million) in interest. They accused the Spanish Tax Agency of violating her rights.

Prosecutors in Barcelona allege that the Hips Don’t Lie singer spent more than half of each year between 2012 and 2014 in Spain and should have paid taxes there. She recently ended an 11-year relationship with FC Barcelona star Gerard Pique, with whom she has two children.