The Costa Rican content creator and activist Paula Monge has reported receiving numerous threats and violent messages following the national elections held on February 1. Monge, known for her critical commentary on sociopolitical issues through social media, has become a prominent voice among young people in Costa Rica.
Monge stated that after expressing concern about the continuation of chavismo in power, she received both support from those sharing her views and an increase in hostile messages. She highlighted that while she often criticizes politicians from various sectors, her denunciations of actions by the current government and the chavista movement have led to most of the hate directed at her.
One message, shown via a screenshot, rhetorically asked if she was aware that “the jaguars won” before wishing for Monge to be censored or even disappeared by authorities. The message read: “Ojalá a usted le quiten las garantías y no la dejen salir por necia, el gobierno debería hacer lo que hacía Nicolás Maduro en Venezuela, que la desaparezcan por necia. Qué rico me sabe y todos tus videitos de nada sirvieron. Vaya usted y todo sus miaus a la fuente de la Hispanidad,” wrote a user identified as Sofía.
On Wednesday, Monge shared more evidence of these attacks on her social platforms. In another message, an individual named Fernando told her to leave Costa Rica: “Da mucha vergüenza que seas tica. ¿Por qué no se va del país si tanto llora? Nos haría un favor. Debería irse.”
Monge responded: “Es un poco agresivo mandar insultos por mensaje desde las 7 a. m. ¿No te parece? Creo que no me voy a ir, pero gracias por la sugerencia.”
She explained that she is used to online hostility but chooses to make such cases public to expose those responsible: “Si los publico no es para que me tengan lástima.”
Last year, the Inter American Press Association (SIP) raised concerns about freedom of expression in Costa Rica and warned about organized trolling operations and increasing violence against critics of the government.
