How Much Does It Cost Not To Be Assaulted
In Costa Rica?
A group of delinquents that make up the
gangs in barrio Chino in the Pital district
of San Carlos have decided it is ¢5.000
colones, charging the local residents the
"toll" for not becoming a victim of an
assault.
Residents of the areas say they have been
living the situation for months, slowly
gathering up the courage to complain to the
local police and not after a death the
Sunday previous did a resident dare talk to
the La Nación.
The resident is a local guard who identified
himself only by his last name, Rojas, who
assures that he has told local police
officials of the extortion by the local
gangs, who are asking residents to pay the
"toll" to cross safely a certain area of the
barrio.
Rojas says the extortions happen mainly at
night and by young men armed with knives.
The guard assures that he has had to pay on
several occasions, as well as other area
residents, who fear for their lives if they
choose not to pay or go to the police.
The guard says that many residents who have
resisted have had their homes stoned and
graffiti painted on their walls as part of
the intimidation.
The Fiscalía Adjunta de San Carlos has taken
on the task of investigating, collecting
evidence and talking to witnesses against
the gang members, some of whom are well
known to the local police.
Until last Sunday the investigation has come
up against walls of fear. However, the
murder of Leopoldo Taleno Martínez, who was
shot a point blank range, the Fiscalía
decided to step up their efforts, especially
when the ambulance attending the scene was
shot at by the assailant and local police
were pelted with rocks.
The local police chief, Edwin Badilla, said
that the situation is so bad that the
criminals don't even respect the local law
enforcement, who are constantly met with
threats and violence.
Immigration officials will also be making a
more prominent presence in the area to
detect illegals. |
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