Gerardo Rubén Alfaro, a magistrate of the Sala III in Costa Rica, is defending his decision to vote against transferring the case regarding President Rodrigo Chaves’ immunity to the Congress. Alfaro was one of seven magistrates who rejected the transfer. He asserts his vote stemmed from a lack of sufficient evidence presented in the investigation at the time. Alfaro strongly objected to claims suggesting he aligned with executive power, labeling such accusations as “dirty”. The decision has ignited debate surrounding judicial independence and the handling of investigations involving high-ranking officials in Costa Rica. The magistrate maintains his ruling was solely based on the merits of the case and the available information. This case centers on scrutiny of President Chaves’ actions prior to assuming office.