Overview
- At an event in Alajuela, President Nayib Bukele joined Costa Rica’s Rodrigo Chaves to launch the Centro de Alta Contención del Crimen Organizado modeled on El Salvador’s CECOT.
- The government estimates a roughly $35 million price tag and space for about 5,100 inmates across five modules, with donated Salvadoran designs saving around $4 million.
- The Justice Ministry says construction began in December and is slated to finish in July, while Chaves also cited a 195‑day timetable for completion.
- Costa Rica’s electoral tribunal declined to halt Bukele’s visit but reminded foreign delegations they must not intervene in domestic political contests.
- Separately, intelligence chief Jorge Torres filed a complaint alleging a threat against Chaves and naming activist Stella Chinchilla, who denies the claim and appeared before prosecutors, as analysts note these developments are shaping a polarized race with many undecided voters.