FORMER PRESIDENT OF COSTA RICA SENTENCED TO 5 YEARS
The former President of Costa Rica, Miguel Ángel Rodríguez Echeverría, was sentenced to five years in prison for aggravated corruption and instigator in the case of the ICE (publicTelecom of Costa Rica)-Alcatel, and a 12-year disqualification from exercising public office.
After hearing the reading of the judgement the ex president exclaimed that there will be an appeal, although no one was surprised by the verdict. Rodriguez has also been banned from leaving Costa Rican soil until the court decidion is firm. The Tribubal in Goicoechea, San Jose, gave its verdict last Wednesday; eight other defendants were convicted with the ex president.
In 2009, another ex-president of Costa Rica, Rafael Ángel Calderón Fournier was given 5 years for two offences of embezzlement in the case of the CCSS (Costa Rica Social Security) and Fischel.
The Public Ministry originally wanted Rodriguez to receive the maximum sentence of 7 years, however 3 of the judges opted for a lower sentence. Rodriguez is said to have acted as in instigator, demanding bribe for giving Alcatel a contract to intall 400,000 lines in 2001.
When he was first accused in 2004, he resigned from his position as Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS). Upon his returned to Costa Rica, he was immediately arrested and brought to the offices of the General Attorney.
Rodriguez is said to be pleased that the trial is over, whatever the sentence!
With one scandal after the other involving its former presidents, Costa Rica may not be so proud of its Pura Vida, yet, it is about time that these corruptions were exposed; it can only benefit the country, in the long range! One can only hope.