El Salvador families demand justice for detainees and mourn prison deaths

Families of individuals detained under El Salvador’s state of exception gathered at the San Salvador metropolitan cathedral to mourn those who have died in custody and demand fair trials for those still held. During the Day of the Dead observances, participants carried flowers, banners, and photographs to honor the deceased and remember relatives who remain incommunicado.

Human rights organization Cristosal has documented 454 deaths in Salvadoran prisons among those detained under the state of exception. President Nayib Bukele imposed the measure four years ago, which has resulted in the detention of more than 90,000 people. Many relatives reported having no contact with their family members since their arrests, with some unable to confirm if their loved ones are still alive.