Congress removes Jorge Angulo’s immunity

Lawmaker Jorge Angulo’s immunity was lifted Thursday afternoon by the Costa Rican Congress.

The vote came after earlier in the week Supreme Court magistrates voted unanimously to pursue charges against National Liberation Party representative Jorge Angulo, after they were presented by the Chief Prosecutor’s Office.

Chief Prosecutor Jorge Chavarría filed a formal accusation against Angulo last Tuesday. Angulo is the first sitting Costa Rican lawmaker to have charges brought against him.

In addition, Angulo’s own party created an ethics tribunal that will be in charge of investigating the legislator, confirmed party head Bernal Jiménez. The tribunal will consist of seven members.

The next step is to set up interviews with construction company COINKRJ S.A. representatives who have accused Angulo of extortion.

Angulo faces charges fraud, influence peddling and and extortion. Each charge carries a hefty prison sentence.