Penology in El Salvador
What to know about CECOT, El Salvador's ...
El Salvador's penological system has undergone significant transformation under President Nayib Bukele's administration, characterized by a stringent anti-gang crackdown that has drawn both international attention and criticism.(AP News)
⚖️ Mass Arrests and Overcrowding
In March 2022, following a surge in gang-related homicides, Bukele declared a state of emergency, suspending certain constitutional rights and enabling mass arrests of suspected gang members. As of early 2025, over 85,000 individuals have been detained, leading to severe overcrowding in prisons .(Wikipedia)
🏢 The Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT)
To address the influx of detainees, the government inaugurated the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) in January 2023. Located in Tecoluca, this maximum-security facility is the largest in Latin America, with a capacity of 40,000 inmates. As of June 2024, it housed approximately 14,500 prisoners, though some estimates suggest the number may be as high as 20,000 .(Wikipedia, Wikipedia)
⚠️ Human Rights Concerns
Human rights organizations have raised alarms over conditions within the prison system. Reports indicate that at least 261 individuals have died in custody since the crackdown began, with causes ranging from illness and violence to inadequate medical care and overcrowding . Former detainees have described deplorable conditions, including unsanitary facilities, lack of access to basic necessities, and physical abuse .(AP News)
⚖️ Legal Reforms and Trials
In an effort to expedite legal proceedings, El Salvador has implemented mass trials for those accused of gang affiliation. These trials often involve group hearings, raising concerns about the fairness and transparency of the judicial process . Additionally, amendments to the criminal code have increased sentences for gang-related offenses, with some individuals facing up to 45 years in prison .(AP News, Al Jazeera)
🌍 Regional Influence and Criticism
El Salvador's approach has influenced neighboring countries grappling with similar issues. For instance, Costa Rica has announced plans to construct a maximum-security prison modeled after El Salvador's CECOT, despite concerns from human rights advocates about the potential for due process violations .(Wikipedia)
🧭 Conclusion
While El Salvador's aggressive anti-gang measures have led to a significant reduction in homicide rates, they have also resulted in widespread human rights abuses and systemic issues within the penal system. The balance between public safety and individual rights remains a contentious issue, with ongoing debates about the long-term implications of the current approach.
El País
The New Yorker
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