Overview

• The Sala Penal Especial unanimously denied a recusation against Justice Norma Carbajal and a request to nullify its Sept. 12 notice exploring the addition of conspiracy for rebellion.
• The court ruled that Carbajal’s earlier participation in pretrial appeals did not show bias and clarified that its Sept. 12 decision only signaled a potential legal reclassification under article 374.
• With the objections rejected, the parties are set to present their positions on the proposed addition at the next session scheduled for Thursday at 9:00 a.m.
• Separately, Judge Ana Osorio admitted a habeas corpus with suspensive effect and forwarded it to the Primera Sala Constitucional, which will convene a virtual hearing that could halt the oral proceedings.
• Prosecutors continue to seek 34 years for rebellion and related crimes, while a conviction for conspiracy for rebellion would carry up to 10 years, and Castillo denies conspiring, saying he only conveyed public demands.