Costa Rica: Deputy Cindy Murillo sparks controversy with insults to colleagues

Costa Rican Deputy Cindy Murillo Artavia has sparked significant controversy within the Legislative Assembly after referring to opposition deputies Claudia Dobles Camargo and Abril Gordienko López as ‘damas de compañía’ (companions/escorts).

The remarks, originally made during an interview, were repeated during a plenary session, leading to widespread condemnation. Legislators from various factions, including members of Murillo’s own party, called for an apology, citing political violence against women. The controversy prompted several deputies to walk out of the session in protest.

Deputy Vianey Mora criticized the comments as offensive and a dismissal of the professional capacity of female legislators. While Murillo claimed her words were taken out of context and intended as a political metaphor regarding party alliances, opponents argued the terminology was a direct attack on the dignity of her colleagues.