Over a week ago, protests began against a plan that sought to create new taxes to alleviate the financial crisis, a plan that has already been rejected by the Government. Still, the protests continue and they have gone from peaceful to violent quickly.
The Minister of Public Security explained that the self-proclaimed National Rescue Movement has lost control of the blockades it organized. Police have recognized that drug traffickers and local criminals have taken over and turned them into something else.
Dozens of officers have been injured in attacks with Molotov cocktails. Patrol vehicles have been set on fire. Previously peaceful protests have become criminal in Limón, Sarapiquí, Puntarenas, and Quepos.
An audio was released, thought to be from a well-known drug trafficker from Sarapiquí, offering weapons, bombs, and anything needed to attack police. He urged listeners to not stop the revolution. The same person is sought after by police for allegedly offering millions in cash to assassinate officers of the OIJ and the Public Force.
