Costa Rica: President Fernández declares security data state secrets

state secrets decree Costa Rica press freedom national security transparency

President Laura Fernández has issued an executive decree in Costa Rica classifying a broad range of information as state secrets. The measure specifically targets data from the National Intelligence and Security Directorate (DIS), the National Public Security Council, and the Fuerza Élite task force.

The decree covers intelligence operations, command structures, technological resources, and security plans. Notably, it also includes public procurement details, such as budgets, expenses, and all contracting procedures for these agencies. It imposes an indefinite duty of confidentiality on officials, advisors, and contractors.

The government maintains that the classification is necessary to combat rising drug trafficking and violence, arguing that disclosing such information could jeopardize police operations and the lives of officials. However, the decree has faced intense criticism from opposition lawmakers and legal experts, who warn it could be used to hide corruption and the misuse of public funds. The Inter-American Press Association (SIP) has also expressed deep concern, stating the measure threatens press freedom and the public's right to information by creating excessive opacity in government spending and operations.

Entities

Abril Gordienko · Asamblea Legislativa de Costa Rica · Consejo Nacional de Seguridad Pública · Costa Rica · Dirección de Inteligencia y Seguridad Nacional · Fuerza Élite · Inter-American Press Association · Laura Fernández · Laura Fernández Delgado · National Intelligence and Security Directorate · Sociedad Interamericana de Prensa

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.

[○ 1 SOURCE] The government justified the measure by stating that disclosing information could hinder judicial and police efforts against crime. www.lateja.cr
[● 5 SOURCES] President Laura Fernández signed a decree declaring certain national security information as state secrets. www.lateja.cr · www.puroperiodismo.com · www.diarioextra.com · elmundo.cr
[● 2 SOURCES] The decree imposes an indefinite duty of confidentiality on officials, advisors, and contractors. www.diarioextra.com · elmundo.cr
[● 4 SOURCES] The classification of state secrets affects the National Intelligence and Security Directorate (DIS), the National Public Security Council, and the Fuerza Élite task force. www.lateja.cr · www.diarioextra.com · elmundo.cr
[● 2 SOURCES] Opposition lawmakers expressed concern that the decree could be used to hide corruption and the misuse of public funds. www.lateja.cr
[○ 1 SOURCE] Political analyst Juan Carlos Hidalgo warned that the decree puts constitutional guarantees at risk. www.puroperiodismo.com
[● 2 SOURCES] The Inter-American Press Association warned that the decree threatens press freedom and the public's right to information. www.diarioextra.com · elmundo.cr
[● 3 SOURCES] The decree covers budgets, expenses, and all public procurement procedures for specific security agencies. www.lateja.cr · www.diarioextra.com · elmundo.cr