A mass trial of 486 suspected MS-13 gang leaders has begun in El Salvador, announced by the country's attorney general's office. The groups face collective accusations of more than 47,000 crimes committed between 2012 and 2022, including murder, extortion, and drug trafficking. Among the defendants are individuals allegedly connected to a deadly wave of violence that resulted in 87 deaths in a single weekend in March 2022. This incident prompted President Nayib Bukele to declare a 'war on gangs'.
While the attorney general's office has not specified the trial's length, it assures that 'compelling' evidence is available to impose 'maximum penalties' on those found guilty. Notably, MS-13, originally formed by immigrants fleeing El Salvador's civil war, has been declared a terrorist organization by the United States and is considered a significant threat in Central America.
The attorney general's office stated, 'for years, this structure has operated systematically, instilling fear and grief in Salvadoran families', highlighting that charges include femicide and disappearances that have impeded the nation's social and economic progress. The suspects are also accused of rebellion for attempting to maintain territorial control, effectively establishing a parallel state.
Of the defendants, 413 are currently in custody with arrest warrants out for 73 others being prosecuted in absentia. Enhanced research and monitoring efforts by the National Civil Police are credited with locating and documenting the suspects' criminal activities. El Salvador remains under a controversial state of emergency since March 2022, granting expanded powers to arrest suspected gang affiliates, a measure criticized for leading to arbitrary detentions.
Recent legal changes now permit mass trials, which have raised human rights concerns amid ongoing efforts to combat gang violence.
While the attorney general's office has not specified the trial's length, it assures that 'compelling' evidence is available to impose 'maximum penalties' on those found guilty. Notably, MS-13, originally formed by immigrants fleeing El Salvador's civil war, has been declared a terrorist organization by the United States and is considered a significant threat in Central America.
The attorney general's office stated, 'for years, this structure has operated systematically, instilling fear and grief in Salvadoran families', highlighting that charges include femicide and disappearances that have impeded the nation's social and economic progress. The suspects are also accused of rebellion for attempting to maintain territorial control, effectively establishing a parallel state.
Of the defendants, 413 are currently in custody with arrest warrants out for 73 others being prosecuted in absentia. Enhanced research and monitoring efforts by the National Civil Police are credited with locating and documenting the suspects' criminal activities. El Salvador remains under a controversial state of emergency since March 2022, granting expanded powers to arrest suspected gang affiliates, a measure criticized for leading to arbitrary detentions.
Recent legal changes now permit mass trials, which have raised human rights concerns amid ongoing efforts to combat gang violence.
