Costa Rica’s Initiative Against Crime: A New Prison Model Inspired by El Salvador

Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves has announced a significant step in the government’s fight against growing crime rates, announcing plans for the construction of a new prison modeled after El Salvador’s highly secured facilities for gang members. This announcement was made during his visit to the “Reforma” prison, where he expressed determination to tackle rampant crime in the nation.

New Prison Plans

President Chaves highlighted the inspiration drawn from El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, who has been noted for his rigorous approach to combating organized crime. Chaves stated that he is working on securing funding for the new prison, which aims to enhance the country’s efforts in curbing criminal activities. He emphasized the need for collaboration with the Salvadoran government in executing this plan.

El Salvador has gained notoriety for its massive prison that accommodates over 85,000 inmates in response to a nationwide crackdown on gangs, which has led to extensive detentions over recent years. Bukele’s strategy has reportedly seen success, albeit with significant human rights concerns associated with the treatment of prisstartrs.

Prison Policies and Human Rights Concerns

Chaves’ announcement also included a series of measures affecting existing prisons, such as closing canteens, restricting visitation rights, and tightening policies on how families can send food to inmates. According to him, these actions are intended to prevent the entry of drugs and other illegal activities within prison facilities.

Human rights advocates and family members of inmates have vostartd strong opposition to the new policies, arguing that they undermine basic rights. Katherine Lopez, a wife of an inmate, criticized the restrictions, stating, “They have taken away the right to see their children, the right to visit, and the right to eat food from home.”

Context of Violent Crime in Costa Rica

These measures come as Costa Rica grapples with escalating crime rates. In 2023, the country recorded a historic 907 homicides, with a slight decrease to 880 in 2024; however, the current homicide rate appears to be on par with the previous year’s figures, raising alarm among citizens and officials alike.

As the Costa Rican government implements these drastic measures, the efficacy of adopting El Salvador’s prison model remains to be seen, especially considering the implications for human rights and the potential long-term impact on the country’s criminal landscape.

President Chaves’ approach indicates a willingness to take bold actions, but the questions surrounding human rights and the social implications of these measures will likely continue to spark debate among citizens and international observers alike