WASHINGTON TIMES
The testimony was behind close doors. Spanish media said Hermoso asked the judge to keep her court appearance as private as possible. She arrived wearing a grey coat and waved to journalists before entering the court through one of its main entrances along with her lawyers.
Spanish state prosecutors accused Rubiales of sexual assault and coercion, alleging he tried to convince Hermoso and her relatives to publicly downplay the kiss.
The judge is also hearing testimony from other World Cup-winning players, coaches and federation officials, before deciding whether to start a trial.
Rubiales previously denied wrongdoing to the judge who imposed a restraining order on him not to contact Hermoso.
The 33-year-old Hermoso, the record scorer for Spain’s women’s team, said last year she received threats in the fallout from the kiss, though she did not elaborate.
Hermoso became somewhat of a celebrity in Spain after coming forward to denounce the kiss and help promote a “Me Too” movement in the country. She was one of the New Year’s Eve presenters on public television on Saturday, calling for a 2024 with more equality.
The boycott of the national team ended last year after players were given guarantees of change within the federation following the intervention of government officials.
