The president declared a state of emergency eight months ago to take on gang violence, and arrests soared. Close to 100,000 people are behind bars as of November, more than triple the prison system’s capacity.
Tag: Bukele, Nayib
El Salvador’s Bitcoin Bet Isn’t Paying Off
It brought El Salvador’s president, Nayib Bukele, the adulation of the tech community, but reduced scarce funds and moved the nation closer to default.
Biden Faces Skepticism at Summit of the Americas
The U.S. president called for concrete commitments on several major issues, but other leaders said the United States is doing too little to meet the moment.
Families Reel Outside El Salvador Prisons After Gang Violence Crackdowns
Dozens of women wait outside a detention facility for news of their loved ones after a crackdown on gang violence resulted in the imprisonment of more than 25,000 people.
In El Salvador, the President Cracks Down on Civil Liberties
Much of the country’s population is willing to tolerate an autocratic leader, if it means that someone will finally solve their most pressing problem: gang violence.
El Salvador’s New Law on Gangs Raises Censorship Fears
A measure punishing the sharing of information about gangs is so vague, critics say, that virtually anyone can be arrested for speaking or writing about them, putting journalists in the cross hairs.
Hundreds Arrested in El Salvador, Raising Fears of a Civil Liberties Crackdown
The Salvadoran government’s response to the weekend’s gang violence that left dozens dead is stoking fears that the emergency measures will allow President Nayib Bukele to further consolidate power.
El Salvador Declares State of Emergency After Gang Killings
Gangs went on a killing spree, gunning down anyone on the street. At least 62 were killed on Saturday, the deadliest day on record since the country’s civil war ended 30 years ago.
Journalists in El Salvador Targeted With Spyware Intended for Criminals
The announcement came months after the U.S. government blacklisted the Israeli firm that produces Pegasus, the technology used to target the journalists.
El Salvador Releases 3 Women Serving Long Prison Sentences for Abortions
The three women, who had suffered obstetric emergencies, had been sentenced to 30 years in prison under the nation’s strict anti-abortion laws.