QCOSTARICA — A group of 20 legislators, from four political factions and two independents, presented a statement of facts to the Public Prosecutor’s Office against President Rodrigo Chaves Robles.
In the document, they accuse Chaves of having committed serious crimes against the constitutional order after a series of statements that, according to the legislators, seek to destabilize the independence of the powers of the State and weaken the institutionality of the country.
The action originated after the press conference held on September 25, in which Chaves, accompanied by his ministers and legislators of his political faction, issued offensive statements against the judiciary, the Attorney General’s Office and the Judicial Police.
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According to the document, the president’s statements, which described these entities as “abusive,” “intimidating” and part of a media and political “show,” constitute a clear act of interference in the country’s judicial functions, which could constitute several crimes stipulated in the Penal Code.
The legislators maintain that Chaves’ statements are not only inappropriate, but could be interpreted as public incitement and propaganda against the constitutional order, as established in article 280 of the Costa Rican Penal Code. In particular, they point out that the president’s words incite resistance against the judicial authorities, which aggravates his responsibility as head of state.
During the conference, Chaves insinuated that judicial investigations, such as the “Barrenador” scandal, which involves granting the administration of 138 Ebais to different cooperatives and the resulting raids and arrests of CCSS officials, are politically motivated, which in the opinion of the legislators compromises the credibility of the legal processes and threatens public tranquility. In addition, the president accused magistrates of the Judiciary of corruption and influence peddling, statements that the deputies consider lacking in evidence and aimed at discrediting the organs of justice.
For the 20 signatory legislators, among them Francisco Nicolás, Óscar Izquierdo and Danny Vargas from the Partido Liberacion Nacional (PLN); Vanessa Castro from the PUSC and Kattia Cambronero, from the Progressive Liberal Party; Jonathan Acuña, Ariel Robles and Antonio Ortega from the Frente Amplui, as well independents Gloria Navas y María Marta Padilla, these actions represent a direct attack on the pillars of Costa Rican democracy.
The legislators emphasize that the Political Constitution establishes the independence of the powers of the State as a fundamental principle, and that any attempt to undermine that independence could have serious repercussions on the political and social stability of the country.
The Legislative branch asks the judicial authorities to deal with this complaint quickly to determine whether Chaves committed a crime.
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“It must be determined whether the actions and statements of President Rodrigo Chaves constitute crimes that threaten public tranquility and the constitutional order.”
Read the full statement of facts (in Spanish) by clicking here.
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