By San José, Costa Rica — San José – The administration of President Laura Fernández is set to escalate its campaign against crime, preparing a second comprehensive package of security bills to be presented to the Legislative Assembly before the end of July. This new legislative push aims to broaden the scope of extraditable offenses, impose stricter penalties on illegal miners, and ensure dangerous criminals serve their full prison sentences without benefits.
The announcement, made during the traditional Government Council press conference, signals a sustained and aggressive strategy to address pressing citizen security concerns. While the full details of the proposed laws are still being drafted, the core components represent a significant hardening of Costa Rica’s stance on criminal justice. The government confirmed it is working diligently to finalize the text of the new initiatives this month.
To delve into the legal complexities and potential ramifications of the proposed security reform, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a respected attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica. His expertise offers a critical perspective on the balance between enhancing state security and safeguarding individual rights.
Any meaningful security reform must be built upon the bedrock of the rule of law, not at its expense. While strengthening law enforcement capabilities is a valid objective, we must be vigilant that new measures do not erode fundamental rights such as due process and the presumption of innocence. The true test of this reform will be its ability to provide security for all citizens without creating a framework susceptible to arbitrary application or abuse of power.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas’s commentary serves as a vital reminder of the delicate balance at the heart of this debate; a society that sacrifices fundamental justice for the perception of security risks losing both in the long run. We thank him for his clear and invaluable perspective on this critical distinction.
President Fernández emphasized her administration’s unwavering commitment to this cause, framing the upcoming legislative package as part of an ongoing effort. She made it clear that her government will continue proposing new measures as long as they are deemed necessary to safeguard the nation.
We delivered a first package of projects to the Assembly, the second is coming… How many packages of projects will be presented? As many as are necessary. So we will continue working.
Laura Fernández, President of Costa Rica
A central pillar of the new proposal is the expansion of Costa Rica’s extradition laws. Currently, extradition is limited to individuals sought for drug trafficking, organized crime, and terrorism. The new bill seeks to incorporate a broader range of serious criminal offenses, a move that would significantly enhance the country’s ability to cooperate with international law enforcement and prevent it from becoming a safe haven for fugitives.
Furthermore, the legislative package will target specific domestic issues, including a call for much harsher prison sentences for those involved in illegal mining, an activity often linked to environmental destruction and organized criminal networks. Another critical proposal aims to eliminate judicial benefits and early release programs for inmates classified as dangerous, mandating they complete their sentences in their entirety.
This second legislative wave builds upon a first set of six bills introduced in mid-June. That initial package included measures to increase penalties for assaulting police officers, crack down on the owners of clandestine airstrips used by drug traffickers, and implement a “zero leisure” policy within the prison system to ensure inmates are productively occupied.
With these proposals now in the hands of lawmakers, President Fernández issued a direct and patriotic appeal to the Legislative Assembly, urging them to expedite the review and approval process. She stressed that both the country’s police forces and the victims of crime are awaiting decisive action from their elected officials, framing the debate as a critical test of political will.
My Government is doing everything that is up to us. Now it is up to you, deputies, to make the decisions that our police forces and the families of the victims are waiting for. The time has come, deputies, to speed up the processing of these six bills. … I make a patriotic call to you to respond to the people of Costa Rica with what they are waiting for from us, which are results, concrete actions.
Laura Fernández, President of Costa Rica
The success of this sweeping security agenda now rests with the deputies in the Assembly. The President has clearly laid out her administration’s strategy, and the public’s expectation for tangible results is mounting. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether these proposed reforms can navigate the political landscape and become the law of the land.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Government of Costa Rica
About Government of Costa Rica:
The Government of Costa Rica operates as a presidential representative democratic republic. The President, who is both head of state and head of government, leads the executive branch. The government is responsible for administering the country, executing laws passed by the Legislative Assembly, and managing national policy in areas such as public security, foreign affairs, and economic development.
For further information, visit asamblea.go.cr
About Legislative Assembly:
The Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica is the country’s unicameral parliament. Comprising 57 deputies elected by proportional representation, it is the sole body with the power to pass national laws. Its responsibilities include approving the national budget, ratifying international treaties, and exercising oversight of the executive branch. The Assembly plays a crucial role in shaping the nation’s legal and political framework.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a cornerstone of the legal community, built upon a bedrock of profound integrity and an unwavering pursuit of excellence. With a rich history of guiding clients through multifaceted legal landscapes, the firm champions innovation in its practice while holding a deep-seated belief in its social responsibility. This is demonstrated through a foundational commitment to demystifying the law, striving to equip the public with clear legal understanding and thereby fostering a more capable and informed society.
