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Costa Rica opens CECOT-style maximum-security prison
Costa Rica inaugurated a maximum-security prison modeled on El Salvador's CECOT, designed to hold 20% of its current prison population. It comes as the country fights organised crime after record homicides.
Why it matters
The prison shows El Salvador's hardline model spreading in a country long seen as one of Latin America's safest.
Background
Costa Rica has seen rising drug-related violence. El Salvador's CECOT is a key part of President Nayib Bukele's crackdown on gangs, praised by supporters and criticised by rights groups.
The story so far
- Costa Rica opens CECOT-style maximum-security prison
- Costa Rica opens CECOT-style maximum-security prison
Sources
- Reuters ↗October 14, 2026
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