Andorra la VellaThis December marks one year since the trial against the president of the association Stop ViolenceVanessa Mendoza, accused of the crime of defamation of institutions for statements made at the United Nations in 2019. Despite the acquittal, the association has issued a statement showing its discomfort with the lack of apology and reparation for part of the Government.
The case raised a great controversy, not only because of the content of the accusations, but also because of the debate it sparked about freedom of expression and women’s rights in Andorra. In the statement, Stop Violence points out that there are still unsatisfied social needs, with particular emphasis on access to abortion, a central theme of its action for years.
The entity has taken the opportunity to claim the work of the La Meri networka service that offers support and accompaniment to women who decide to have an abortion, highlighting its importance in the absence of public measures to cover this need.
According to RTVA, Stop Violences insists that the case had a negative impact on both the organization and its president, and they stress the need for symbolic and institutional reparation for the experience. Likewise, they have reiterated their commitment to the fight for reproductive rights and the defense of women in any situation of vulnerability.