Joselyn Chacón faces arrest warrant after missing trial hearing

A court in San José has issued an immediate arrest warrant for former Health Minister Joselyn Chacón after she failed to appear at a scheduled trial hearing on Monday. The tribunal declared her in default due to her absence without what the court deemed reasonable justification.

The legal proceedings stem from a complaint filed by former deputy Francisco Nicolás, who accused Chacón of libel and slander. The dispute originated from allegations regarding the Ministry of Health's purported intention to purchase a specific plot of land.

Chacón’s attorney and current deputy, José Miguel Villalobos, stated that the former minister did not attend because she is currently on medical leave. Villalobos noted that documentation from the CCSS has been submitted, though he could not confirm if this would nullify the arrest warrant. The trial has reportedly been postponed six times due to delays attributed to the defense.