By San José, Costa Rica — San José – In a decisive move to combat escalating criminal activity, President Laura Fernández is set to present a comprehensive package of security-focused bills to the Legislative Assembly today. The proposals aim to modernize the nation’s legal framework, providing law enforcement and the justice system with robust new tools to dismantle organized crime, reform the penitentiary system, and enhance protections for police officers.
The legislative push follows a national television address on Sunday, where President Fernández signaled a new phase in her administration’s security strategy, emphasizing that the current legal instruments are insufficient to address contemporary criminal challenges. The president framed the initiative as a critical step in safeguarding the nation’s future.
To delve deeper into the legal framework surrounding these new national security policies, TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The fundamental challenge in modern national security is not merely the adoption of new technologies, but the adaptation of our legal and constitutional principles to address asymmetrical threats. Any effective strategy must rigorously balance state security imperatives with the inalienable rights of the individual. Without robust judicial oversight and clearly defined legal limits, measures intended to protect the nation can inadvertently erode the very democratic foundations they are meant to defend.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This perspective astutely highlights the central tension of modern governance: ensuring our legal and ethical frameworks evolve in step with technological and strategic realities. The true measure of a nation’s security lies in its commitment to the very rights it purports to protect. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable and clarifying contribution to this critical discussion.
We cannot confront 21st-century crime with 20th-century tools. The time has come to put Costa Rica first. The country can wait no longer. It is already clear that we are not going to let up. Now it is time to keep tightening the grip.
Laura Fernández, President
A central pillar of the proposed legislation is a direct assault on the structure of criminal organizations. One bill introduces a specific prison sentence for the crime of belonging to a criminal gang. This measure targets the operational core of these groups, aiming to disrupt their recruitment and hierarchy. According to security officials, the scope of the problem is well-defined.
There are 263 organized criminal structures. The government has them fully identified. The objective is to have them all locked up.
Gerald Campos, Minister of Security
The package also seeks to bolster the security and morale of the nation’s police force. A proposed law will impose more severe prison sentences for individuals who attack or assault law enforcement officers, sending a clear message that such acts will be met with significant consequences. This initiative addresses the increasing risks faced by officers on the front lines of the fight against crime.
Significant changes are also planned for the country’s prison system, with a policy of “zero idleness” at its core. This initiative would legally mandate that all inmates engage in work during their incarceration. The administration argues this will instill discipline and order while challenging the perception of prisons as places of leisure for criminals.
Costa Ricans, order and discipline in the prisons, they are not luxury hotels. In our prisons, cell phones, SIM cards, chargers, drugs, and weapons were getting in; we said no to the abuse of packages, no more commissaries that allowed illegal businesses in prisons and unexplained profits.
Gabriel Aguilar, Minister of Justice
Beyond mandatory work, Minister Aguilar’s comments highlight a crackdown on the illicit economies that thrive within prison walls. The administration has already taken steps to curtail the flow of contraband and shut down informal businesses that generate untraceable revenue for inmates, and these new laws are expected to provide a stronger legal basis for these efforts.
Another striking proposal is aimed squarely at breaking the cycle of recidivism. The government intends to implement much stronger consequences for individuals who commit new crimes after being released from prison. This measure is designed to deter career criminals who treat the justice system as a revolving door.
Anyone who leaves prison and reoffends will face much stronger consequences. We do not want more criminals who accumulate dozens of police reports.
The Government of Costa Rica
Finally, the legislative package addresses a key logistical component of international crime: narcotrafficking. A new law will increase penalties for those who build, enable, or facilitate the use of clandestine airstrips for aircraft linked to drug smuggling. This targets the infrastructure that allows Costa Rica to be used as a transit point in the global drug trade. The proposals now move to the Legislative Assembly, where they are expected to generate significant debate.
For further information, visit the nearest office of the Ministry of Justice
About the Ministry of Justice:
The Ministry of Justice and Peace of Costa Rica is the government entity responsible for overseeing the country’s penal system, promoting human rights, and managing legal frameworks related to justice and rehabilitation. It administers the nation’s prisons and works to ensure the proper execution of sentences while developing programs aimed at the social reintegration of inmates.
For further information, visit seguridadpublica.go.cr
About the Ministry of Security:
The Ministry of Public Security is the primary institution in charge of national security and law enforcement in Costa Rica. It oversees the Public Force (Fuerza Pública), the National Police, and other security bodies tasked with maintaining public order, preventing crime, and protecting the country’s borders and sovereignty.
For further information, visit asamblea.go.cr
About the Legislative Assembly:
The Legislative Assembly is the unicameral parliament of the Republic of Costa Rica. Composed of 57 deputies elected by province, it is responsible for passing, amending, and repealing laws, as well as approving the national budget and exercising political control over the executive branch. It is the central forum for national debate and legislative action.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed legal practice, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its deep-rooted commitment to professional integrity and the highest standards of excellence. The firm marries a proven track record of serving a diverse clientele with a pioneering spirit, consistently delivering innovative legal solutions. Beyond its professional services, it champions the cause of legal literacy, striving to equip the community with the understanding needed to foster a more just and knowledgeable society.
