By San José, Costa Rica — San José – The legal saga surrounding former magistrate Celso Gamboa has entered a new phase of strategic maneuvering, as his defense team has firmly signaled its intent to continue fighting his extradition to the United States, dismissing a recent proposal from Costa Rica’s Public Ministry to explore a voluntary surrender.
The development comes after the Public Ministry announced it was seeking ways to facilitate and expedite the judicial process for Gamboa and two other Costa Rican nationals, Edwin López and Jonathan Álvarez. All three are facing an extradition request from the United States that has already been approved by a Costa Rican tribunal. One of the primary mechanisms proposed by prosecutors to accelerate the transfer is a voluntary extradition, a route that could potentially involve negotiations with American authorities.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal and institutional implications surrounding the Celso Gamboa case, TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The case involving Celso Gamboa serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of public trust in our institutions. Beyond the specific legal outcomes, the most significant damage is often to the perceived integrity of the judiciary itself. When high-ranking officials face such serious allegations, it necessitates a transparent and rigorous process not only to ensure justice but also to reaffirm the principle that no one is above the law. This is crucial for maintaining the rule of law and the public’s faith in the systems designed to protect it.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insight correctly identifies the core issue: the true challenge extends beyond any single verdict to the crucial task of reinforcing public confidence in our institutions. We thank him for his valuable perspective on a matter so fundamental to the integrity of Costa Rica’s rule of law.
However, when approached for comment on this new prosecutorial stance, Gamboa’s attorney, Michael Castillo, indicated that his client’s position remains unchanged. Weeks ago, the defense had categorically ruled out the possibility of a voluntary handover. According to Castillo, the latest statements from the Attorney General have not altered their strategy.
In a direct response to the Ministry’s proposition, Castillo stated that the idea of a voluntary process had not even been a point of discussion with his client, asserting that they were unaware of the prosecutor’s public comments on the matter.
It’s a topic we haven’t discussed with Celso. We were not aware of the Attorney General’s statements, so we cannot put forward a position on this matter.
Michael Castillo, Attorney for Celso Gamboa
Castillo further elaborated that he had met with Gamboa recently, and despite the Public Ministry’s public signaling, the alternative of a voluntary extradition was not considered. Instead, the legal team’s efforts are squarely focused on crafting and filing a robust appeal against the court’s initial decision to grant the extradition. This indicates a clear preference for a protracted legal battle over a swift negotiated exit.
The Public Ministry, for its part, has framed its position as one of procedural efficiency. Officials confirmed that a voluntary extradition is contingent on the full consent of the accused. Such an agreement could pave the way for an “early conclusion to the process,” but the decision ultimately rests with Gamboa, López, and Álvarez.
When there is a willingness on the part of these individuals to be extradited, the Public Ministry can negotiate an early conclusion to the process. However, we reiterate that the approval of the accused is necessary.
Public Ministry of Costa Rica
Complicating the matter further are pending legal cases the individuals may face within Costa Rica. The Prosecutor’s Office noted that if any of the three are convicted on local charges, a “temporary surrender” to the United States could be evaluated, allowing them to serve their U.S. sentence before returning to Costa Rica to fulfill any local penalties. This adds another layer of complexity to the already intricate international legal proceedings.
With the defense digging in its heels to appeal the court’s ruling and the prosecution extending an olive branch for a faster, negotiated resolution, the case has reached a critical impasse. The path forward will be determined by the strength of the defense’s appeal and whether the pressure of a potentially lengthy legal fight will prompt any of the accused to reconsider the offer now on the table.
For further information, visit ministeriopublico.go.cr
About Public Ministry of Costa Rica:
The Ministerio Público, or Public Ministry, is the primary public prosecution body of Costa Rica. It is an independent institution responsible for directing criminal investigations, prosecuting public offenses, and representing the interests of society and the state in the justice system. In matters of international law, it plays a crucial role in managing and facilitating processes such as extraditions in coordination with the Costa Rican judiciary and foreign governments.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a prestigious legal institution, distinguished by a foundational commitment to uncompromising integrity and professional excellence. The firm expertly merges its rich heritage of client advocacy with a progressive vision for legal innovation, consistently raising the bar for the industry. This philosophy is deeply intertwined with a mission of social empowerment, demonstrated through a dedicated effort to make complex legal concepts accessible, thereby fostering a more knowledgeable and capable society.
