Q COSTARICA — After reviewing the complaints against Rándall Zúñiga, director of the OIJ (Judicial Investigation Agency), the Supreme Court agreed to extend the suspension of the official for three more months.
Zúñiga is being investigated for several cases of alleged sexual abuses and lack of professionalism in his position.
“This decision is based on a preliminary report issued by the Judicial Inspection Court, with the purpose of allowing the administrative investigation to proceed until all the necessary elements for a final determination are available,” the Supreme Court stated.
On October 29, the Court had ordered a provisional suspension for 15 days, a period that expires today, Wednesday, November 19. The suspension does not affect the work of the OIJ.
His suspension is with pay. In other words, that is to say, he will receive his salary during the suspension period. The reason is that the measure taken is temporary, pending the disciplinary proceedings against him, a decision being questioned by many.
Zúñiga is not being permanently removed from his position nor is he being sanctioned for any acts he may have committed; the sole purpose is to remove him to ensure that he does not interfere in decision-making or influence the investigation while it is underway.
Zúñiga is at the center of a sex scandal following complaints from at least three women who accuse him of rape.
Meanwhile, Canal Opa’s news outlet Central de Noticias revealed in an investigation that the alleged victims reported that the official shared images and sensitive information about raids and murder cases, in addition to revealing his contempt for President Rodrigo Chaves and even the number of agents investigating him, among other possible failures in his management.