Q COSTARICA — Costa Rican President Laura Fernández launched harsh criticism against the judiciary during her weekly press conference on Wednesday, expressing her concern over the recent release of dangerous criminals and the lack of effective punishments for those who commit serious crimes in the country.
In her remarks, Fernández referred to the case of three members of the criminal gang “Los Marujas” in Cartago, who, despite having been arrested by the Organismo de Investigacíon Judicial (OIJ) with hundreds of doses of drugs, weapons, and criminal records, were released by Judge Ana Laura García Delgado.
“With how difficult it is to catch them, how difficult it is to get them sentenced, and then they have the audacity to let them go free!” Fernández emphasized that this gang has been operating in the province for over twenty years, responsible for dozens of violent incidents.
The president also highlighted the national concern regarding impunity for crimes committed in prisons.
She mentioned that although introducing cell phones into prisons is a punishable offense, the Attorney General’s Office has opted to impose administrative sanctions, which, according to Fernández, send the wrong message to society and encourage the continuation of criminal practices from within prisons.
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Laura Fernández directly addressed the highest authorities of the Judiciary: “Ms. Patricia Solano (president of the Court), you are failing this country. Mr. Rolando Aguirre, the president of the Judiciary, you are failing Costa Rica, and I have to tell you this because I am the elected representative of the people. Both of you should seriously consider stepping aside, give the position to someone with fresh blood who can take the reins of the Judiciary.”
The president emphasized that this is not a personal attack, but rather a warning about a situation she considers serious for public safety.
Fernández demanded answers regarding the reasons behind the release of criminals and questioned whether judges are acting under pressure, threats, or corruption.
“This nation deserves for the Judiciary to tell us if the judges who are releasing criminals are doing so because they were bribed, because they were threatened, or both. It’s unacceptable that they’re released day after day and no one gives this country an answer, because your salaries and mine are also paid by the people of Costa Rica,” she stated during the conference.
The president made a strong appeal to the Legislative Assembly controlled by the ruling party to exercise its political oversight function: “I call on the Legislative Assembly, which is responsible for exercising parliamentary political control over the supreme powers. They should already be holding the president of the Judiciary, Magistrate Solano, and these prosecutors accountable, as they are constantly releasing high-profile criminals in the country,” she stated during her weekly press conference.
Fernández concluded her remarks by reiterating the need for the country to act decisively: “We still have time to prevent Costa Rica from falling off a cliff.”
Her appeal seeks to ensure that the various institutions assume the responsibility of guaranteeing justice and security for citizens amidst a crisis that has generated widespread public alarm.