Vigil Marks Late Dance Instructor's Birthday, Demands Tougher Penalties for Drunk Driving

Family and friends of Carlos Manuel Miguel Chozo, an Andorran resident and Latin dance instructor killed in a crash in Oliola last October, held a peaceful vigil on Tuesday evening in Plaça Lídia Armengol in Andorra la Vella to mark what would have been his 37th birthday.

Around 70 people, including relatives, friends, and community members, gathered under the slogan "against road violence." They called for harsher penalties under Spanish law for drivers who cause accidents while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and demanded "real justice" in Chozo's case.

Mònica Miguel Chozo, the victim's sister, addressed the crowd, expressing frustration that the at-fault driver—allegedly intoxicated—has continued a normal life for seven months, frequenting bars and work, while her family grieves. "We want real justice: one person carries on with their life... and we haven't had our brother for seven months," she said. She stressed that while anyone can have an accident, driving impaired is intolerable and urged reforms to Spain's penal code, unchanged for nearly three decades on this issue.

The family hopes to enlist Andorran institutions' support for legal changes, though no such action is currently feasible. They criticized current penalties as too lenient, allowing suspects to remain free pending trial—and even then, sentences under two years often avoid prison.

The event featured chants, prayers led by a pastor who praised Chozo's positive spirit, songs, and the release of white balloons. Attendees wore T-shirts with Chozo's image and anti-drunk-driving messages. GSMO officers provided a blue-light escort. A sound system failed, but Mònica gave an opening speech.

The crash occurred in the early hours of 5 October as Chozo returned from a Barcelona event with his Spanish companion, who sustained injuries still under forensic review. The case nears the end of instruction at Balaguer court before moving to Lleida for trial. No updates on proceedings were available.