Gabriel Aguilar faces investigation over La Reforma prison raid

Costa Rican Minister of Justice and Peace, Gabriel Aguilar Vargas, is facing a criminal investigation by the Public Ministry following a routine inspection at the La Reforma penitentiary. The investigation centers on allegations of abuse of authority and potential humiliation of inmates during a recent search operation.

In response to the probe, Aguilar has denied all allegations of aggression, stating that the operation was a standard procedure conducted alongside the Ministry of Public Security to seize weapons. He characterized the reports of mistreatment as unfounded and suggested they are part of a strategy to create tension ahead of the opening of a new correctional center.

The Minister has also criticized the Attorney General, Carlo Díaz Sánchez, claiming he is conducting a judicial persecution. Aguilar reported that he is currently facing eight criminal cases, five of which involve allegations of abuse of authority. Meanwhile, the Judicial Investigation Department (OIJ) has confirmed it is conducting investigations under the direction of the Attorney General due to the involvement of a high-ranking official.