El Salvador reports over 10,500 gang convictions under state of exception

El Salvador’s Attorney General, Rodolfo Delgado, reported to the Legislative Assembly that more than 10,500 individuals linked to gangs such as MS-13 and Barrio 18 have been convicted since the state of exception was implemented in March 2022. While the government highlights a significant reduction in crime, including 1,350 days without homicides, officials noted that nearly 90% of the approximately 93,000 to 96,000 detainees remain in custody without a final trial or sentence.

President Nayib Bukele has proposed a plan to grant prison benefits to approximately 50% of those identified as occasional collaborators rather than active gang members, a move that could affect thousands. However, human rights organizations and victim advocacy groups have raised alarms regarding this policy. They warn that the measure could pressure innocent people to falsely confess to crimes to secure release and argue that the judicial bottleneck leaves many individuals in legal limbo.

Additionally, Security Minister Gustavo Villatoro presented the 2027 security budget, emphasizing a transition toward green mobility with over 700 electric vehicles integrated into the police fleet. The administration maintains that its security strategy is a global benchmark for crime reduction, despite ongoing international debate regarding the suspension of constitutional guarantees and reports of over 500 deaths in state custody.