Andorra Men Freed After Video Clears New Year's Rape Suspicions

Two Pas de la Casa residents, aged 23 and 24, were released early Sunday morning after nearly 48 hours in police custody over suspicions of a sexual offence against a 17-year-old tourist in the early hours of New Year's Day.

The case began when hospital staff at Nostra Senyora de Meritxell activated the purple code protocol after the girl arrived confused and distressed. She had woken in a private apartment without her trousers, fearing she had been assaulted following heavy drinking at a Pas de la Casa nightclub. Police arrested the first man that afternoon around 6pm on 1 January. The second was detained the next morning near 8am in Canillo. Initial investigations considered the possibility of a group assault, as the girl reported both men had been involved.

The men appeared before the duty magistrate on Saturday afternoon. A mobile phone video recorded by the first detainee—showing the sexual encounter with him and apparent consent, no violence or opposition—proved decisive. Despite high intoxication levels among the girl, the men, and others present at the apartment, the magistrate ruled that alcohol did not negate consent, supported by the footage and other evidence. Rape allegations were dismissed.

The second man, present but not participating, was freed without charges. The first was released on provisional liberty but formally processed for a sexual liberty offence linked to potential unauthorised sharing or dissemination of the recording. No further footage has been confirmed, and the girl has not complained about any video. The investigation remains open on this point.

Police highlight the challenges of such cases amid alcohol consumption, noting several similar arrests in Andorra recently. Authorities emphasise careful analysis to avoid rushed conclusions when perceptions can shift with sobriety.