On Monday, April 27, the National Court in Madrid is requiring the personal presence of former Catalan president Jordi Pujol at a hearing about the family’s hidden assets in Andorra. Despite his age and serious health condition, the 95-year-old politician must undergo a medical examination half an hour before the session. His personal physician, Jaume Pedros, sharply condemned the court’s decision, calling it an act of extreme cruelty and a direct violation of human rights.
Pedros, who signed one of the three medical reports for the defense, emphasizes that Pujol is not able to withstand questioning in a courtroom. According to him, the demand to appear in Madrid looks like a lack of trust in the conclusions of local specialists, who have already confirmed the ex-president’s deteriorating condition. On the air of the program Aquí Catalunya on SER Cataluña, the doctor noted that such a court decision may be linked to the judge’s desire to demonstrate independence before colleagues in the capital, but he considers this approach unacceptable.
Health condition and risks
According to Pedros, Jordi Pujol suffers from a progressive degenerative disease, which leads to a gradual deterioration of his condition. The doctor points out that the situation has not improved in recent months, but in fact has gotten somewhat worse. He emphasizes that the ex-president is unable to properly defend himself in court and participate in the necessary dialogue for such proceedings. The trip itself is also an additional threat: covering 600 kilometers is extremely difficult for a person of his age and condition.
Preparing for the trip
The Pujol family is already organizing the complex transportation to Madrid. According to the doctor, despite the former president’s desire to take part in all proceedings, his physical condition does not allow him to cope with such strain. Padros emphasizes that wishes do not always align with real possibilities, especially when facing a serious diagnosis.
Case context
The case concerning the Pujol family’s hidden assets in Andorra is being heard in Spain’s National Court. The issue of the former president’s ability to participate in person has been repeatedly raised by the defense, which has submitted medical reports about his condition. However, the court insists on his personal presence despite objections from doctors and family.
