Chilean tenor Tito Beltrán charged for rape in Sweden

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SANTIAGO.- Tito Beltrán has been in custody for 29 days facing charges of rape. The Swedish press has respected local legislation, never mentioning the artist's name nor publishing photos of him in the news. Today, however, Beltrán's name is all over the headlines, an indication of the serious nature of the Ystad court's decision this morning.

Beltrán was formally charged with rape and risks spending two years in prison.

The incidents that he is being charged for allegedly occurred on July 29th, 1999. At the time, Beltrán was touring with a group of artists including Maria Lundgvists. Lundgvists' nanny is accusing Beltrán of having sexually molested her that night in one of the rooms of the hotel where they were staying.

Yesterday, Beltrán made a public announcement reiterating his innocence. Although he has admitted to having been alone with the girl, the artist claims that no type of sexual abuse occurred.

Anna Håkansson, the public attorney prosecuting Beltrán, has stated that the trial will begin sometime towards the end of next week.