Costa Rican President Eliminates Prison Time Reduction Benefits by Decree

In a decisive move signaling a hardline approach to crime, Costa Rican President Laura Fernández has enacted a new regulation that abolishes prison benefits, effectively ensuring that inmates serve the full duration of their sentences. This decree, one of the first major actions of her administration, directly addresses her campaign promise to combat organized crime and drug trafficking with an unwavering stance.

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With this, there will be no doubt that the year in prison is 360 natural days, no more leniency that the prison year is eight months.

"With this, there will be no doubt that the year in prison is 360 natural days, no more leniency that the prison year is eight months," President Fernández declared, emphasizing her commitment to a stricter penal system. She further stated that this measure leaves judges with "no room to interpret the sentence in fewer days for those who take away our peace and steal our security."

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Se los advertí, no queremos en Costa Rica al crimen organizado ni al narcotráfico. Por eso, a partir de este momento, el año carcelario será de 360 días naturales.

The new government, which assumed office on May 8, 2026, is pursuing a security agenda inspired by El Salvador's controversial but seemingly effective model under President Nayib Bukele. Fernández announced plans to construct a "mega-prison" capable of holding 5,000 inmates and establish a Command and Control Center (C5) to combat organized crime. This approach reflects a growing trend in Latin America where leaders are adopting more punitive measures to address rising crime rates.

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With this, there will be no doubt that the year in prison is 360 natural days, no more leniency that the prison year is eight months.

From a Costa Rican perspective, this policy shift represents a significant departure from previous administrations and signals a new era of law and order. While international observers might scrutinize the potential human rights implications, as seen with El Salvador's approach, the local sentiment, as reported by Confidencial, often prioritizes immediate security concerns. President Fernández's administration, holding a majority in Congress, is well-positioned to implement these ambitious security plans. The focus here is on restoring public confidence and demonstrating decisive leadership in the face of perceived threats from organized crime, a narrative that resonates strongly with a significant portion of the electorate.

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With this, there will be no doubt that the year in prison is 360 natural days, no more leniency that the prison year is eight months.