Costa Rica Supreme Court Seeks to Strip President Chaves Immunity Over Corruption

Costa Rica's Supreme Court has, for the first time, requested the country's Congress to strip President Rodrigo Chaves of his legal immunity to face trial on corruption charges involving the alleged diversion of $32,000 from a communications contract to his close associate and former image advisor Federico Cruz. The attorney general accuses Chaves of extortion and bribery, crimes punishable by up to eight years in prison, while Culture Minister Jorge Rodriguez faces similar charges. Chaves denies wrongdoing and has accused the judiciary and other branches of government of blocking his policy initiatives, leading to a significant political standoff in Costa Rica, a country known for its democratic stability. The case now awaits a final decision by Congress, which is dominated by opposition lawmakers. Additionally, Chaves faces other legal challenges, including accusations of illicit campaign financing. Despite being barred from consecutive re-election, his populist profile keeps him influential in Costa Rican politics with potential plans to run for Congress in 2026.