Comptroller Launches Oversight Process Against Rabat for Withholding Information on Sentencing Reductions

Original article: Contraloría abre proceso contra Rabat por negarse a entregar información sobre rebaja de condenas

The Comptroller General of the Republic confirmed on Tuesday the initiation of an oversight process against the Ministry of Justice regarding the controversial reduction of sentences for 56 sexual offenders and child abusers.

This announcement from the Comptroller came after a group of lawmakers reported that the ministry led by Rabat failed to respond to a request submitted by the National Child Defender, which aimed to access the decrees that allowed the inmates’ release.

The agency also requested the criteria and protocols used by the Ministry of Justice to consider the best interests of children and adolescents.

The National Child Defender submitted the request on October 22, after which the Ministry of Justice had 5 business days to reply. That deadline expired on October 29; however, the ministry did not respond.

In light of Rabat’s refusal to release the information, lawmakers Raúl Leiva, Andrea Parra, Daniela Serrano, Emilia Schneider, Luis Malla, and Jorge Díaz turned to the Comptroller to demand that the ministry respond to the National Child Defender’s request.

Additionally, the lawmakers requested the Comptroller to initiate an administrative inquiry to establish potential responsibilities of officials and management for the delay. They also demanded that the findings be forwarded to the Chamber, while safeguarding the identities of the victims.

The Comptroller’s Response That Surprised Lawmakers

The Comptroller’s response -made public by Meganoticias- confirmed the opening of an oversight process due to the Ministry of Justice’s refusal to provide the requested information.

In the document, the Comptroller detailed two ongoing actions: an oversight process within the Ministry, initiated following complaints received, and a request for a report from Minister Rabat regarding the parliamentary presentation.

“Regarding the inquiries made, following the complaints received, the Comptroller General has been on-site at the Ministry of Justice since last week conducting oversight,” the agency stated.

However, the agency led by Dorothy Pérez did not specify whether they would order an administrative inquiry or issue a legal statement regarding the minister’s lack of response.