Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves appeared before a congressional committee on Friday, forcefully rejecting corruption allegations and denouncing what he described as a politically motivated “judicial coup d’état.”

Chaves told legislators that the Attorney General and magistrates orchestrated the case in retaliation against his administration. He framed the proceedings as an attack on the presidency and insisted that he had not engaged in wrongdoing.

Chaves asked the committee members, “Compatriots, do you really believe this case makes any sense, beyond the servility of an incompetent, clumsy prosecutor serving the care network that manipulates him?”

The unprecedented hearing followed a July request from Costa Rica’s Supreme Court that lawmakers strip Chaves of presidential immunity. If approved, prosecutors can pursue charges of concusión—abuse of authority for private gain—stemming from $32,000 allegedly funneled from a Central American Bank for Economic Integration contract to one of Chaves’ closest advisers, Federico “Choreco” Cruz.

The three-member committee has until August 28 to issue a report recommending whether to lift Chaves’ immunity, though the deadline may be extended by up to 20 days. The full Legislative Assembly, dominated by opposition parties, will then vote. A supermajority is required for the president to face prosecution while in office.

Outside the Assembly, hundreds of supporters gathered, chanting “You are not alone” as Chaves departed the hearing.

The case marks the first time in Costa Rica’s history that a sitting president has appeared before lawmakers facing potential removal of immunity. Chaves, elected in 2022 on a populist platform, is barred by law from seeking consecutive re-election when Costa Ricans head to the polls in February 2026.

If convicted, Chaves could face up to eight years in prison.