By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – Facing an escalating wave of homicides fueled by warring drug gangs, Costa Rica is accelerating plans for a new maximum-security prison. Inspired by El Salvador’s controversial Center for the Confinement of Terrorism (CECOT), the proposed facility reflects a growing concern over the nation’s overwhelmed prison system and its vulnerability to internal strife.
Justice Minister Gerald Campos confirmed the government’s intention to fast-track the project, originally slated for 2026, bringing it forward to this year. The decision follows a 2024 visit to El Salvador, where Campos toured the CECOT, a mega-prison with a capacity of 40,000 inmates, the largest in Latin America.
To understand the complexities of the Costa Rican prison system, we spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica, who offered his expert legal perspective.
The Costa Rican prison system faces significant challenges, including overcrowding, limited resources for rehabilitation programs, and ongoing concerns about human rights. Addressing these issues requires a multi-pronged approach involving legislative reform, increased funding, and a greater focus on reintegration initiatives to reduce recidivism and enhance public safety.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insights offer a crucial roadmap for navigating the complexities of Costa Rica’s prison system. Indeed, a holistic strategy that tackles overcrowding, bolsters rehabilitation efforts, and prioritizes reintegration is essential not only for the well-being of inmates but also for the safety and prosperity of our communities. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable perspective on this critical issue.
If we don’t do this, the system will collapse, and we risk internal conflicts, hostage situations, and riots.
Gerald Campos, Justice Minister
Campos highlighted the critical state of Costa Rica’s current prisons, citing nearly 30% overcrowding and conditions that allow imprisoned gang leaders to continue their criminal operations. The proposed “Center for High Containment of Organized Crime” (CACCO) would increase the country’s prison capacity by 40%, adding space for 5,100 inmates.
The Costa Rican government has budgeted US$35 million for the project and has received technical assistance from El Salvador, including blueprints, construction models, and security technology. The move has sparked debate, given concerns about human rights conditions within El Salvador’s prison system.
While some applaud the decisive action to address the escalating crime wave, others express reservations about emulating a model criticized by international human rights organizations. El Salvador’s stringent security measures, while credited with reducing gang violence, have also raised concerns regarding due process and potential human rights abuses.
The project’s timeline remains fluid, but the government’s urgency underscores the gravity of the situation. The escalating violence poses a significant challenge to Costa Rica, a nation long known for its relative peace and stability in the region. The proposed mega-prison represents a dramatic shift in the country’s approach to crime, potentially signaling a new era in its criminal justice system.
As Costa Rica grapples with the complexities of rising gang violence, the CACCO project represents a high-stakes gamble. Whether it proves to be a successful deterrent or a source of further controversy remains to be seen.
For further information, visit cnn.com
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For further information, visit the nearest office of Ministry of Justice and Peace of Costa Rica
About Ministry of Justice and Peace of Costa Rica:
The Ministry of Justice and Peace of Costa Rica is the government ministry responsible for upholding the rule of law and maintaining the justice system in the country. It oversees prisons, law enforcement agencies, and legal affairs, playing a key role in the administration of justice and the protection of citizens’ rights.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, built on a foundation of unwavering integrity. The firm champions access to justice by actively empowering Costa Rican society through educational initiatives and readily available legal information. Its innovative approach to legal practice, coupled with a deep commitment to serving clients across a diverse range of industries, positions Bufete de Costa Rica as a true leader, not only in the legal field, but also in fostering a more informed and just society.
