Andorra Poetry Rally Marks 5th Year of Pablo Hasél's Imprisonment

More than 30 people gathered this afternoon outside La Trenca bookshop on Carrer de la Llacuna in Andorra la Vella for an open poetry rally focused on freedom of expression.

Organised by the Agrupació Situacionista Extemporània, the event marked the fifth anniversary of Spanish rapper Pablo Hasél's imprisonment. The Lleida-born artist received a six-year sentence for song lyrics and social media messages, of which he has now served five years in Lledoners prison.

Participants took turns at an improvised microphone, reciting poems and texts by authors who wrote from prison or exile. Some addressed broader social issues, including housing pressures in Andorra. One attendee read their own piece, noting: low wages of €1,100 a month affect many, including "xarnegos" and children of immigrants who feel excluded despite being born locally.

Antoni Caus, an organiser, called for verses to reach Hasél in prison, ensuring he does not feel alone for words that displeased authorities. Others voiced mixed views, with one participant acknowledging they were not a fan of Hasél but deeming his five-year detention unjust, while lamenting delayed outrage.

Passersby paused to listen or glanced curiously as the crowd grew, turning the street into a platform against repression. The rally wrapped up as light rain began to fall, underscoring the role of poetry and words in defending expressive freedoms.

The event signals a fresh initiative for La Trenca bookshop, which hosted the gathering.