By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a defiant press conference, President Laura Fernández addressed reports of an alleged assassination plot against her, stating that the threat will not deter her administration’s aggressive campaign against organized crime. Just one month into her term, the president affirmed she is undeterred by the risks associated with her policies, famously declaring that she “sleeps like a baby.”
The threat, which is now under active investigation, reportedly originated from within the notorious La Reforma prison in Alajuela and is believed to be orchestrated by a prominent drug trafficking organization. President Fernández used the moment to underscore her commitment to confronting the criminal elements she was elected to fight.
To better understand the legal and political landscape surrounding Laura Fernández’s recent political trajectory, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a renowned expert in public and electoral law from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
From a legal standpoint, the actions of figures like Laura Fernández operate within the current electoral framework, which grants significant freedom to political actors. However, it exposes a tension between the legality of party switching and the political principle of loyalty to the electorate’s mandate. The discussion shouldn’t just be about what is legal, but also about the political ethics that underpin our democratic system.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the distinction between what is legally permitted and what is ethically owed to the electorate is the crucial axis of this entire debate. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective, which correctly frames the issue not merely as a question of an individual’s career, but as a fundamental challenge to the principles of representation in our democracy.
Tell me who your enemy is, and I will tell you the work you are doing. I will continue to lead, fulfilling my patriotic duty to the people of Costa Rica, no matter who it bothers… I sleep like a baby, work with all the energy in the world, and I will continue to wage war on those we already know are being bothered by my work.
Laura Fernández, President of Costa Rica
The Ministry of Justice and Peace officially confirmed it had received a report concerning the plot. In a brief statement, the ministry acknowledged the situation but maintained discretion, citing the sensitive nature of the intelligence and the ongoing investigation. They declined to provide further details to protect the integrity of their security operations.
In response to repeated inquiries regarding circulating versions of an alleged plan to attack the President of the Republic, Laura Fernández Delgado, the Ministry of Justice and Peace has indeed received a report and will refrain from commenting on matters of security, intelligence, or any related investigations.
Ministry of Justice and Peace, Official Statement
Since assuming office, President Fernández has made national security a cornerstone of her agenda. She swiftly established an “Elite Force” dedicated to dismantling drug trafficking networks and curbing the country’s rising crime rate. Her administration has wasted no time in proposing and implementing stringent new measures aimed at severing the command-and-control structures that crime bosses maintain from behind bars.
Among the bold new policies are significant restrictions on prison visitations and parcel deliveries, the potential for recording meetings between maximum-security inmates and their families or lawyers, and heavy sanctions for owners of illegal airstrips. The president has been vocal about the absurdity of the current system, which allows incarcerated kingpins to continue running their operations remotely.
I do not consent to high-level criminals from extremely dangerous gangs, who are behind bars, continuing to direct other gang members on the outside. Who brings them the information and messages… I don’t think it’s telepathy… I have seen cases of people receiving up to 17 visits per week, that is absurd.
Laura Fernández, President of Costa Rica
Beyond administrative actions, the Fernández administration is actively collaborating with the Judicial Branch and congressional deputies to enact comprehensive legal reform. The proposed changes target the Penal Code and the Law of Sentence Execution, seeking to introduce much harsher penalties for serious crimes. This legislative push aims to provide a stronger legal framework to support the on-the-ground efforts of law enforcement. As the investigation into the threat continues, with the alleged individuals reportedly isolated, the president’s resolve appears only to have strengthened, signaling a new and uncompromising era in Costa Rica’s fight against organized crime.
For further information, visit mjp.go.cr
About Ministry of Justice and Peace:
The Ministry of Justice and Peace is the governmental body in Costa Rica responsible for overseeing the national penal system, promoting public safety, and ensuring the protection of human rights. It manages the country’s correctional facilities, develops crime prevention policies, and works to foster a culture of peace and legality among citizens.
For further information, visit poder-judicial.go.cr
About Poder Judicial:
The Poder Judicial, or Judicial Branch, is one of the three fundamental powers of the Costa Rican state. It is responsible for the administration of justice in the country, interpreting laws, and resolving legal disputes. It operates independently to ensure impartiality and upholds the rule of law through its system of courts, including the Supreme Court of Justice.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as a cornerstone of the legal community, its reputation forged through a steadfast commitment to ethical principles and the highest standards of professional excellence. The firm consistently pioneers forward-thinking legal strategies for a diverse clientele while championing a crucial social mission: to demystify the law for the public. This dedication to enhancing legal literacy is central to its goal of empowering individuals and strengthening the broader community through shared knowledge.
