Former legislator Marulin Azofeifa addressed lawmakers on April 16, urging the parliamentary commission investigating her allegations against Fabricio Alvarado for alleged sexual abuse to meet its reporting deadline. Her statement came two days before the scheduled end of the commission’s period for presenting its findings.
Azofeifa’s remarks followed a nearly three-hour session during which the commission discussed several matters and approved a motion to request an extension of up to 15 days from legislative president Rodrigo Arias. The extension was sought because, after hearing testimonies, both parties are entitled to three days each for their concluding statements.
“Lo único que deseo es que esta comisión pueda realmente cumplir con el plazo establecido, y que se haga justicia, no solo para mí, sino también para todas las mujeres que hemos callado durante muchísimo tiempo y nos cuesta tanto hablar, que tengamos que pasar por todo esto tan difícil, que una comisión alargue por tanto tiempo algo tan delicado como lo que yo he manifestado,” said Azofeifa in front of members of the media.
The process has been marked by delays and controversy. The previous day’s session was canceled at Alvarado’s request without medical or similar justification. According to Azofeifa’s legal representatives Carolina Hidalgo and David Delgado, these delays have brought proceedings close to the reporting deadline without sufficient progress.
Azofeifa made her allegations public at the end of January before formally submitting them on February 4. The investigative committee was formed on February 17 under regulations addressing sexual harassment within the Legislative Assembly. The first meeting took place on February 19; however, subsequent sessions were delayed due to scheduling issues and travel by legislators. A ten-hour session held on April 10 included testimony from Azofeifa as well as several witnesses and Alvarado himself but did not allow time for all planned testimonies.
Azofeifa alleges that inappropriate conduct—including unwanted kisses, advances, and touching—began when she was a candidate in late 2017 and continued through her term as deputy into her current role as advisor with Nueva República party led by Alvarado.
