No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeCosta RicaChaves’ Complaint Sparks Debate on Press Freedom in Costa Rica Media Clash

Chaves’ Complaint Sparks Debate on Press Freedom in Costa Rica Media Clash

Costa Rica President Rodrigo Chaves filed a criminal complaint against two Teletica journalists, Álvaro Sánchez Córdoba and Christian Montero Ulate, for publishing his personal phone number on their personal Facebook accounts. The Presidential Office labeled the act “condemnable and illegal,” sparking a heated controversy that led to the journalists’ dismissal from Teletica Canal 7.

The complaint stems from posts made by Sánchez and Montero, where they shared a document containing Chaves’ phone number, allegedly extracted from a judicial file. According to Casa Presidencial, this violates Article 196 of Costa Rica’s Penal Code, which prohibits the unauthorized disclosure of private communications, carrying a penalty of one to three years in prison. The Agency for the Protection of Inhabitants’ Data (PROHAB) classifies a personal phone number as restricted data, requiring protection.

In a statement, the Presidential Office accused Sánchez of illegally accessing the judicial file and claimed Teletica supported his “personal attacks” on Chaves via social media. They further alleged that Sánchez has a history of accessing sensitive judicial information unlawfully, describing his actions as part of a “systematic campaign of aggression” rather than journalism.

Teletica swiftly distanced itself from the journalists’ actions, emphasizing that the posts were made on personal accounts and were not endorsed by the channel. “Televisora de Costa Rica has no knowledge of or involvement in the publications made by its collaborators on their personal pages,” the company stated. The following day, Teletica announced the termination of both Sánchez and Montero, closing a chapter marked by tension between the media and the Chaves administration.

Sánchez, who worked at Teletica for nearly 18 years, posted a farewell message on Facebook, reflecting on his career and personal milestones, including his marriage and children. He acknowledged the publication as a personal error, stating, “It was a mistake, and I will assume the responsibilities that follow.” Montero, with over a decade at Telenoticias, was also dismissed but has not publicly commented.

The Presidential Office sent a letter to René Picado Cozza, president of Grupo Teletica, condemning the journalists’ actions as a breach of privacy and a threat to Chaves’ security. Teletica’s director of news, Ignacio Santos, and Picado requested a meeting with Chaves to address the issue, but no confirmation of such a meeting has been reported.

This incident adds to ongoing friction between Chaves and Costa Rican media. In 2023, the Constitutional Chamber ruled that Chaves violated press freedom through verbal attacks on outlets like Teletica and La Nación. Critics note the irony of Chaves’ complaint, as he previously disclosed private information about a journalist and World Bank officials in 2022 and shared lawmakers’ email addresses in 2025, urging public complaints.

Legal experts suggest the case could set a precedent for balancing press freedom and privacy rights in Costa Rica. The dismissals have sparked debate, arguing Teletica bears responsibility since the journalists accessed the number in their professional capacity. Others defend the journalists, citing Chaves’ own history of disclosing personal data.

Trending Now

Tsunami Alerts in Latin America After 8.8 Quake in Russia

An 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck off Russia’s Far East coast on Wednesday, one of the most powerful quakes ever recorded, triggering tsunamis with waves up...

Costa Rica Fails to Meet Human Rights Standards for Deportees

The Ombudsman's Office has confirmed that Costa Rica was unprepared to provide adequate care for deportees who have entered the country since February. This...

Costa Rica Food Culture: From Bar Bocas to Fast Food Chains

Once upon a time in Costa Rica, you could walk into a bar, order a beer, and receive a free boca – a small...

Keylor Navas Leads Pumas to Victory in His Liga MX Debut

Keylor Navas kicked off his Mexican league journey with Pumas UNAM in style, leading the team to a 2–0 win over Querétaro at Estadio...

Costa Rica Surpasses 500 Homicides as Gang Violence Escalates

Costa Rica has officially surpassed 500 homicides so far this year, according to figures released Monday by the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ). As of...

Massive Cocaine Seizure at Costa Rica’s Moín Terminal Targets UK

Costa Rican police intercepted 810 kilograms of cocaine hidden in a banana shipment at the Moín Container Terminal in Limón headed for the United...
spot_img
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica