Andorra Court Hears Appeal of Company President Convicted of Death Threats

Andorra's Superior Court has reviewed an appeal hearing for a 76-year-old Basque company president convicted of death threats against his former business partner, the ex-husband of his niece.

The incident occurred on 2 November 2021 during a contentious company board meeting amid business and family disputes. The company's general secretary alleged that the president insulted him, attempted to assault him physically, and threatened to kill him. The president denied the death threats, acknowledging only a verbal confrontation and a brief scuffle.

A lower court in Corts imposed a three-month suspended prison sentence. The defence, which sought acquittal at trial, challenged the conviction on appeal, arguing a lack of credible evidence. They pointed to a three-month delay in the complaint—filed around the time of the secretary's dismissal—and the failure to record the alleged threats in official minutes, despite lawyers being present.

At the Superior Court hearing, held on Wednesday, the defence reiterated that the threats were unproven and highlighted procedural flaws and inconsistencies in the complainant's testimony. Prosecutors stood by the original ruling, asserting that trial procedures were followed despite conflicting accounts.

The court heard arguments from both sides and will issue a ruling on whether to uphold, modify or overturn the lower court's decision.