Stella Chinchilla Mora, a vocal critic of the Costa Rican government, faces accusations of orchestrating a plot to assassinate President Rodrigo Chaves. The 62-year-old activist denies the claims and reports receiving death threats since the allegations surfaced.
The case began when Jorge Torres, director of the Dirección de Inteligencia y Seguridad (DIS), filed a complaint with the Fiscalía on January 13. Torres presented screenshots of messages he says show Chinchilla coordinating with hitmen and complaining about their failure to act. Authorities opened an investigation into possible attempted homicide.
Chinchilla, a supporter of the Frente Amplio party, appeared before prosecutors the next day to review the evidence. She called the messages fabricated and the entire situation a political maneuver to silence her social media critiques of the Chaves administration. “I did not write any part of those messages,” she told reporters outside the Fiscalía. “This president must step down through proper means for the harm he has caused the country.”
She added that unknown individuals have followed her in a vehicle, prompting her to file a separate complaint with the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ). Chinchilla expressed concern for her family’s safety, including her son, amid the escalating threats. “My phone keeps ringing with warnings against my life,” she said.
The Frente Amplio condemned the accusations and any form of violence, while urging a thorough probe. Fiscal General Carlo Díaz confirmed the case targets Chinchilla specifically for an alleged plan to hire an assassin. No arrests have occurred, and the investigation continues.
Chinchilla’s activism focuses on human rights and government accountability. She maintains her innocence and blames the administration’s supporters for the backlash. Officials have not released further details on the evidence or potential accomplices. This development highlights tensions between critics and our government, where political discourse has grown heated. The public awaits updates as the Fiscalía gathers more information.
