Q COSTA RICA — Costa Rican President Laura Fernández ordered a reinforcement of the police deployment in Cartago in response to the escalating violence plaguing the province, which has recorded 51 homicides.
She also reiterated her strong criticism of the judiciary for cases in which suspects or individuals with criminal records have been released.
The president even brought the security problem to a personal level, stating that gunshots are frequently heard from where she lives.
“At least two nights a week, I’m woken up by gunfire that can be heard from where I live, in the surrounding neighborhoods of San Blas, Taras, and El Carmen,” Fernández stated during a speech in which she called for increased efforts to restore peace to the province. President of the Supreme Court of Costa Rica will not seek re-election
The president said residents of Cartago have expressed fear about resuming activities that were once part of their daily lives. “Ms. Laura, we can no longer send the children to train at the Cartago sports complex (…) because it terrifies us,” Fernández quoted as one of the messages she claims to have received.
She also cited testimonies from people who have stopped going out for coffee in the afternoons for fear of being caught in a shootout, and even workers afraid to go to their workplaces.
“Cartago doesn’t deserve this,” the president stated.
51 homicides and 39 victims with police reports
Fernández did not mince words in expressing her frustration and concern. She criticized the judicial system for releasing individuals who allegedly contribute to the violence, which has resulted in 51 homicides in the area recently. The president emphasized that the people of Costa Rica did not elect her to hide problems but to confront them head-on.
In response to this surge in violence, Fernández has ordered a significant reinforcement of security operations in Cartago. She has called for intensified police presence and increased efforts to restore peace in the community.
The situation is grave enough that Fernández even hinted at the possibility of temporarily suspending some individual rights if the security crisis worsens, signaling a readiness to take tough measures to protect citizens.
Fernández, however, skirted the fact that the rise in violence in the country is attributed by many to the first government of Rodrigo Chaves (2022-2026), an administration that she served as a high-ranking cabinet member from 2022 to 2025.