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Spanish Court Orders Forensic Exam of 95-Year-Old Jordi Pujol After Defense Cites Alzheimer’s Markers

The assessment will determine his fitness for the November 24 trial, potentially paving the way for the case to be shelved.

Overview

  • The National Court last week instructed its Clínica Médico Forense to conduct an expert evaluation to guide decisions on Pujol’s presence at trial.
  • Defense filings by attorney Cristóbal Martell cite blood-based Alzheimer’s “markers” alongside reports of severe verbal-memory deficits and advanced cognitive decline.
  • The legal team requests that, if considered fit, Pujol be allowed to testify by videoconference from his Barcelona residence due to age and health limitations.
  • The defense argues that a finding of incapacity should lead to dismissal, referencing the 2021 decision excusing his late wife, Marta Ferrusola, for dementia.
  • Neurologists consulted say the cited markers likely involve TAU proteins, noting Catalan hospitals already use phospho‑tau217 blood tests to detect Alzheimer’s.