Citizens of Costa Rica assert that their Legislative Power does not protect them from common crime and organized crime, according to a security and human rights report in Costa Rica developed by Flacso Chile and the University of Chile, with support from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

“Heavy-Handedness and Democratic Erosion in Latin America: Citizen Perception in Costa Rica” reflects the views of Costa Ricans regarding their Legislative Power.

“The main criticisms of the legislative power are based on the ‘soft’ nature of the laws, as they ‘focus more on protecting than punishing the criminal.’ There is often a mention of the need to reform and toughen the laws,” the report states regarding the Legislative Power of Costa Rica.

Honduran President Xiomara Castro stated this Saturday that her country must no longer be used as a “bridge for drug trafficking,” and she pledged that the 2025 elections would be “clean, free, and transparent,” guaranteeing a peaceful transfer of power.

“Honduras should not continue to be used as a bridge for drug trafficking that feeds the addiction of developed countries,” Castro emphasized during a speech at a military ceremony, where she also highlighted the “example of struggle” set by national hero Francisco Morazán.

Castro called on Hondurans to “make their best efforts to combat organized crime and the drug cartels inherited from the previous regime,” stressing that “remaining silent constitutes treason to the homeland.”

According to official figures, over 21,400 kilos of cocaine and 500,000 coca plants have been seized so far in 2024 in various operations, mainly in Honduras’ Caribbean region.

Due to its geographical location, particularly its 700-kilometer Caribbean coastline, Honduras is used by international drug traffickers to ship cocaine to the United States.

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CEL

Authorities have reported that much of the drugs arriving in Honduras by air and sea are transported overland through western Honduras, near the Guatemalan border, on their way to the United States.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirms the death of two Salvadoran migrants, aged 57 and 17, in Villa Comaltitlán, Chiapas, on October 1st, at the hands of the Mexican Army. Authorities have requested a “thorough investigation of the case and a prompt clarification” from the Mexican government.

According to a statement from the Ministry, the victims were residents of San Vicente and La Libertad, respectively. The incident occurred last Tuesday on the Villa Comaltitlán-Huixtla highway when two members of the Army opened fire on migrants in Chiapas who were aboard a cargo truck, mistaking them for members of criminal groups. As a result, six migrants from El Salvador, Peru, and Egypt lost their lives, and 12 others were injured.

“In light of the events, the Ministry extends its deepest condolences to the families, who are receiving consular assistance, support, and accompaniment, according to our protocols in these cases,” the statement explains.

The Salvadoran government has been following the case closely since the tragedy occurred to identify the victims. The Ministry maintains contact with the Salvadoran consulate in Tapachula.