Costa Rica sees massive protests defending judicial independence

On Thursday, hundreds of Costa Ricans gathered at the Plaza de la Democracia in San José for a sit‑in called the “Plantón por la Justicia Democrática.” The demonstration was organized by a coalition of social organizations, trade unions, university groups and civic collectives to defend the independence of the judicial branch amid a growing clash between President Laura Fernández’s administration and the Constitutional Chamber.

The protest followed a July 30 ruling by the Constitutional Chamber that upheld the appointment of substitute Supreme Court justices after the Legislative Assembly delayed their selection. Government officials labeled the decision a “coup,” intensifying political tension. Participants included notable figures such as Fiscal General Carlo Díaz, interim OIJ director Michael Soto, former President Luis Guillermo Solís and former Security Minister Gustavo Mata. The sit‑in began around 4 p.m., lasted until about 8 p.m., and featured speeches, cultural presentations and calls for broader public support. Parallel gatherings were announced in other judicial districts, including Nicoya, Liberia, Puntarenas and San Carlos.