Costa Rica ACOJUD says prosecutor selection bill threatens independence

The Costa Rican Association of the Judiciary (ACOJUD), led by president Adriana Orocú, criticized a draft law introduced by Deputy Marta Esquivel that would change how the Fiscal General is chosen. The proposal, titled the “Law of Strengthening Transparency and Democratic Control of the Public Ministry,” would replace the current appointment by the full Court with an election by the Legislative Assembly, requiring a two‑thirds majority and a public competition.

ACOJUD warned that the measure would politicize the selection, concentrate power in the Assembly, and weaken the independence of the Public Ministry. It highlighted the absence of international criteria, the risk of political removal, and the potential for the prosecutor to be compelled to report investigations to legislators, which could jeopardize case integrity. The organization called for any reform to preserve objective, merit‑based selection and uphold the separation of powers in Costa Rica's justice system.