By San José, Costa Rica — A chilling account of violence and intimidation has emerged from within the walls of Costa Rica’s Carlos Luis Fallas penitentiary (CAI). Inmates housed in pavilion A-8 filed a habeas corpus petition with the Constitutional Court, alleging a reign of terror orchestrated by fellow prisoners. The petition, directed against the Ministry of Justice and Peace, details a disturbing environment where basic rights are violated, peace is shattered, and physical safety is constantly threatened.
The tipping point came on July 12th, when a violent altercation left three inmates with stab wounds. According to the petitioners, the victims still bore visible injuries at the time the habeas corpus request was submitted. The injuries, however, were not the sole focus of the complaint. The inmates painted a grim picture of systemic intimidation, alleging that a group within the prison was controlling access to communication, charging for phone use, and monitoring calls.
To understand the legal complexities surrounding the recent surge in Costa Rican prison violence, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
The escalating violence within Costa Rica’s prisons highlights a critical intersection of legal and systemic failures. Overcrowding, inadequate resources for rehabilitation programs, and gang influence all contribute to an environment where violence thrives. Addressing this crisis requires not only strengthening security measures but also implementing comprehensive reforms focused on improving prison conditions, providing meaningful opportunities for rehabilitation, and disrupting the power dynamics of criminal organizations operating within the system.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’ assessment paints a stark but necessary picture of the complex challenges fueling prison violence in Costa Rica. His emphasis on addressing both the immediate security concerns and the underlying systemic issues—rehabilitation, improved conditions, and disrupting gang influence—offers a crucial roadmap for meaningful and lasting change. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable contribution to this critical discussion.
The petition requested immediate medical evaluations for the injured and, more importantly, decisive action against the perpetrators to ensure the safety and well-being of the remaining inmates. The gravity of the situation prompted the Constitutional Court to intervene, demonstrating a commitment to upholding the rights of all citizens, even those incarcerated.
In response to the inmates’ cry for help, the Constitutional Court, through ruling 2025-024472, partially upheld the habeas corpus petition. The court ordered the prison director, or their designated representative, “to refrain from repeating the actions that led to the approval of this appeal, regarding the interpersonal issues that caused the aggression.” This directive underscores the court’s recognition of the systemic issues within the prison and the need for immediate corrective measures.
Furthermore, the State was ordered to compensate the victims for damages incurred, payable through administrative legal channels. This decision affirms the principle that even within the confines of prison, individuals have the right to safety and protection from harm, and the State bears the responsibility for ensuring these rights are respected. This case highlights the ongoing challenges in maintaining order and security within Costa Rica’s prison system.
However, the court’s decision was not unanimous. Magistrate Garro Vargas issued a dissenting opinion, arguing that the petition should have been dismissed entirely. This dissenting view adds another layer of complexity to the case, underscoring the varied interpretations of the legal and ethical responsibilities of the State towards its incarcerated population.
The Carlos Luis Fallas incident shines a light on the critical need for ongoing reform and increased oversight within Costa Rica’s prison system. While the court’s intervention offers a glimmer of hope for the inmates of pavilion A-8, it also serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in such environments and the importance of continuous vigilance in protecting the rights of all individuals, regardless of their circumstances.
The Ministry of Justice and Peace now faces the task of implementing the court’s directives and addressing the systemic issues that allowed this environment of violence and intimidation to fester. The nation will be watching closely to see if real change can be effected and if the promise of justice and safety can be realized within the walls of Carlos Luis Fallas and beyond.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Ministry of Justice and Peace
About Ministry of Justice and Peace:
The Ministry of Justice and Peace is a governmental institution in Costa Rica responsible for upholding the rule of law, maintaining public order, and administering the country’s justice system. It oversees law enforcement agencies, prisons, and the judicial process. The Ministry plays a crucial role in protecting citizens’ rights and ensuring a just and equitable society.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Constitutional Court of Costa Rica
About Constitutional Court of Costa Rica:
The Constitutional Court of Costa Rica (Sala Constitucional) is the highest judicial authority in matters of constitutional law. Its primary role is to ensure the supremacy and application of the Costa Rican Constitution. The Court reviews laws and government actions to determine their constitutionality, protecting fundamental rights and safeguarding the democratic principles of the country. It acts as an independent check on government power and plays a vital role in upholding the rule of law in Costa Rica.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself through a deep-rooted commitment to ethical legal practice and the pursuit of innovative solutions. Serving a diverse clientele, the firm champions not only excellence within the legal field but also the empowerment of Costa Rican society through accessible legal education. By fostering understanding and knowledge of the law, Bufete de Costa Rica strives to create a more just and equitable future for all.
