Overview
- Stella Chinchilla, a government critic and rights activist, rejected accusations she sought to hire a hitman, calling the case politically motivated.
- Local media published screenshots included in the security chief’s complaint that purportedly show Chinchilla pressing alleged hitmen, which she told AP are fabricated.
- Jorge Torres, head of the Intelligence and National Security Directorate, reported receiving a woman’s call alleging a contract and payment to assassinate the president.
- Presidential protection has been reinforced, with the security chief describing the threat as serious for Costa Rica’s democratic stability.
- The disclosure coincided with Nayib Bukele’s visit and a groundbreaking for a Bukele-modeled mega-prison, as Costa Rica moves toward Feb. 1 elections in which Chaves is not a candidate.