Andorra: Defamation charge against an activist facing trial for defending women’s rights must be dropped
- “I will not stop raising my voice for women’s rights,” proclaims the defender of women’s rights
The defamation charge against an activist who faces a possible fine after defending the right to abortion and women’s rights in a United Nations forum should be dropped. This was stated by Amnesty International on the eve of the organization’s participation in an event on sexual and reproductive rights to be held in Andorra.
In 2020, the prosecution filed three charges of criminal defamation against Vanessa Mendoza Cortés after the Andorran government filed a complaint following Vanessa speaking about the right to and situation of women and girls in the country at a meeting of a specialized committee of the United Nations. In 2021, the prosecutor obtained two of the charges that carried prison sentences, but Vanessa still faces a possible fine of up to 30,000 euros and a criminal record if convicted. Andorra is one of the few countries in the world where abortion is still prohibited in all cases.
“The initial complaint, prosecution and subsequent indictment of Vanessa Mendoza Cortés after her legitimate participation in a UN expert body is simply and simply a shameful and deliberate attempt to prevent her from speaking out and punish her for speaking out about abortion and women’s rights,” said Mónica Costa, Amnesty International’s senior campaign manager.
They treat me like a criminal, but I haven’t done anything wrong. I will not stop defending the rights of women and girls in Andorra, including their right to abortion in a country where access to this practice is totally prohibited.
Vanessa Mendoza Cortes
Additional information
Vanessa Mendoza Cortés is a psychologist and president of the organization that defends women’s rights Stop violence. In 2019, she spoke about the situation of women and girls in the country, including the right to abortion, in a review of Andorra carried out by the United Nations Committee for the Elimination of Discrimination against Women. Last October, a judge issued a formal indictment against her for alleged “crimes against the prestige of the institutions.” A trial date has not yet been set.
Andorra and Malta are the only two countries in Europe that totally prohibit abortion. As a result of this ban, people who need an abortion are forced to travel abroad, mainly to France or Spain, to receive the medical care to which they are entitled. Those unable to travel due to cost or uncertain legal status are at greater risk of human rights violations.
On December 16, Amnesty International will participate in an event on sexual and reproductive rights in Andorra organized by Stop the Violence. The event will start at 18:30 (CET). Before the event, at 12.30 (CET), there will be a press conference at the Assembly Hall of the Cultural Center of La LlacunaAndorra la Vella.