El Salvador judges 31 MS‑13 gang members to up to 45 years in prison

A specialized anti‑organized‑crime court in San Miguel, El Salvador sentenced 31 members of the Mara Salvatrucha (MS‑13) to terms ranging from 25 to 45 years for participation in an illicit gang structure. Six defendants received the maximum 45‑year sentence for leadership roles, while the remaining 25 were given 25‑35 years based on their level of involvement. The convictions stem from arrests made under the 2022 state of emergency, which granted authorities expanded powers to combat gang activity. The court’s decision forms part of a broader prosecutorial push against gangs launched by the national prosecutor’s office, which claims the emergency has enabled the dismantling of major criminal networks.

Human‑rights groups have expressed concerns about possible rights violations linked to the emergency measures, but officials maintain the approach is necessary to curb violence.