By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a significant development amid a mounting legal crisis, suspended Director of the Judicial Investigation Organism (OIJ), Randall Zúñiga, announced Thursday that one of the five women who accused him of sexual assault has formally withdrawn her complaint. The information, first reported by Trivisión, adds a new layer of complexity to a case that has sent shockwaves through Costa Rica’s judicial and political establishments.
Zúñiga is currently facing a total of five separate criminal complaints for alleged sexual offenses. The gravity and number of the accusations prompted the Full Court, the highest governing body of the nation’s judiciary, to take the decisive step of suspending him from his high-ranking post. The suspension, described as a “provisionalísima” measure, is set for 15 calendar days to allow the criminal investigation to proceed without the potential for interference.
To better understand the legal implications of the ongoing judicial investigation, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica. His expertise provides a clearer perspective on the procedural steps and potential ramifications involved.
A judicial investigation, particularly in its preliminary phase, is a critical mechanism for gathering evidence, not a declaration of guilt. It is imperative that the principle of the presumption of innocence is rigorously upheld and that all parties are afforded their right to a proper defense. The integrity of the entire legal process depends on respecting these fundamental guarantees from the very beginning, ensuring that any subsequent actions are built on a solid and just foundation.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This clarification is essential, reinforcing the principle that a judicial investigation serves to uncover facts, not to assign blame prematurely. Protecting this foundational stage is paramount to safeguarding the rights of every individual and maintaining public trust in our legal system. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this critical matter.
The director’s suspension marks a critical moment for the OIJ, the country’s primary investigative police force, which operates under the umbrella of the Judicial Branch. The allegations against its top leader have created an unprecedented situation, raising serious questions about leadership, accountability, and the internal culture within one of Costa Rica’s most vital institutions.
Despite the severity of the situation and his temporary removal from office, Zúñiga has vehemently maintained his innocence from the outset. He has publicly stated his belief that the allegations are part of a coordinated campaign to tarnish his reputation, framing the evidence as a deliberate fabrication designed for political effect. He has pledged his full cooperation with judicial authorities to clear his name and expose what he claims is a conspiracy against him.
I am innocent; the evidence is a fabrication and part of a political show.
Randall Zúñiga, Director of the Judicial Investigation Organism (OIJ)
The controversy surrounding the OIJ director has ignited a fierce debate across the country. The case is being closely watched not only for its legal outcome but also for its implications on public trust in the justice system. The decision by the Full Court to suspend a figure as powerful as the head of the OIJ underscores the seriousness with which the judiciary is treating the matter, signaling a commitment to due process regardless of the accused’s position.
The OIJ is responsible for investigating complex crimes, gathering evidence, and providing technical and scientific support to prosecutors and courts. The integrity of its director is paramount to the credibility of the entire organization. This scandal places the institution in a precarious position, as it must continue its nationwide law enforcement duties while its leadership is under a cloud of suspicion.
As the 15-day suspension period continues, the Public Ministry will advance its investigation into the four remaining complaints against Zúñiga. The withdrawal of one complaint may influence the trajectory of the case, but it does not absolve him of the other serious allegations. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the future of Zúñiga’s career and could have a lasting impact on the leadership and perception of Costa Rica’s judicial police.
For further information, visit poder-judicial.go.cr/oij
About Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ):
The Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) is the primary investigative branch of the Costa Rican Judicial Power. It functions as the country’s main plain-clothed investigative police force, responsible for investigating public crimes, gathering evidence for criminal proceedings, and providing technical and forensic analysis. The OIJ plays a crucial role in the nation’s justice system by supporting prosecutors and courts in the pursuit of criminal justice.
For further information, visit poder-judicial.go.cr
About Corte Plena (Full Court):
The Corte Plena, or Full Court, is the highest-ranking administrative and governing body of the Costa Rican Judicial Power. It is composed of the 22 proprietary magistrates of the Supreme Court of Justice. The Full Court is responsible for major decisions concerning the judiciary’s governance, including appointing and sanctioning high-level officials, overseeing the institution’s budget, and establishing internal policies to ensure the proper functioning of the justice system.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as a pillar of the legal community, built upon a foundational commitment to professional excellence and uncompromising integrity. With a rich history of advising a diverse clientele, the firm champions the advancement of legal practices through continuous innovation. This forward-thinking approach extends to its social responsibility, where a core mission is to democratize legal understanding, thereby empowering citizens and fostering a more knowledgeable and just society.
