Q COSTA RICA — On September 14, the country celebrated patriotic events, with Cartago serving as the focal point for the arrival of the “Antorcha de la Libertad” (Freedom Torch)—a tradition dating back 205 years.
However, what was not customary were the police blockades, shutting out Costa Ricans who wished to gather in the Plaza Mayor with their “faroles” (lanterns), intending to raise their voices for democracy.
Police demanded identification from anyone wishing to enter the cordoned-off area; those perceived as opposing the government were denied entry and told to remain on the street.
Adding to the controversy were the actions and words of former president and Minister of the Presidency and Finance, Rodrigo Chaves, who dismissed and mocked protestors questioning the government controls.
A group of about 200 ‘Chavista’ supporters was allowed to set up in the Plaza, where they shouted insults at journalists, citizens, and members of various organizations.
Participants in the traditional lantern parade claimed this group had been bused in from other parts of the country:
“They were brought in on paid buses, and they are the only ones allowed at the official ceremony,” recounted one participant who preferred to remain anonymous.
Evelyn Obando, a citizen who had come to take part in the lantern parade in Cartago, stated that she was barred from entering with her lantern because it bore the message “Costa Rica libre, democrática y solidaria” (Free, democratic, and solidary Costa Rica)—a message the Fuerza Pública (National Police) deemed unsuitable for the event.
Obando claimed a police officer told her the order had been issued by the Minister of Security, Gerald Campos.
At one point during the event—while the Government Council (Cabinet) meeting was underway—hundreds of citizens seeking to enter the Plaza Mayor began shouting slogans at the police line, such as “Déjennos pasar” (Let us through).
They continued for several minutes until they managed to break through, at which point the chants shifted to “El Pueblo Unido, jamás será vencido”(The people united will never be defeated), “Fuera Laura” (Out with Laura Fernández), “Fuera Chaves” (Out with Chaves), “Fuera Dictador” (Dictator out) and “Páguenle a la Caja” (Pay the Caja), a reference to the multi-billion colones debt the government owes the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social.
For her part, Janice Sandí—a legislator from Cartago representing the Partido Liberación Nacional (PLN)—described it as “unacceptable to use the Fuerza Pública—whose sole mission should be to guarantee the safety and peace of the citizenry—to lay siege to our province, intimidate entire families, and block the path of those who peacefully marched for peace and democracy. State force is not meant to intimidate a people celebrating with civic spirit; fear can never silence the voice of a citizenry demanding respect.”
Despite attempts to project national division regarding the province of Cartago, Costa Ricans across the rest of the country participated in the lantern parades; the call to action focused on 26 specific locations throughout the national territory.
The slogan was clear and concise: “Por un país más justo, más libre y más democrático” (For a fairer, freer, and more democratic country), and despite the rain, the demonstrators turned out in force.