Costa Rica Opens $35 Million Mega-Prison Near Capital

Costa Rica has opened a major new correctional facility as the government moves to address persistent overcrowding issues within its prison infrastructure. The $35 million mega-prison, located in proximity to San José, was officially inaugurated by President Laura Fernández, marking a significant expansion of the country's detention capacity.

The facility has been constructed to house approximately 5,100 inmates, substantially increasing the nation's ability to manage its incarcerated population. The project represents one of the largest infrastructure investments in Costa Rica's correctional system in recent years.

The opening comes amid ongoing concerns about prison conditions and security across Central America, where overcrowding has contributed to gang violence and deteriorating circumstances within detention centers. Costa Rica has sought to modernize its penal infrastructure to better manage growing inmate populations and improve operational standards.

The new complex is expected to help relieve pressure on existing facilities throughout the country, though experts note that infrastructure expansion alone may not address underlying systemic challenges within the criminal justice system.