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MS-13 Terror Suspects Face Trial
21 Apr
Summary
- Hundreds face trial for crimes including femicide and disappearances.
- MS-13, a terrorist organization, is accused of causing fear and grief.
- A state of emergency allows expanded arrest powers since March 2022.
El Salvador's attorney general's office is prosecuting 486 suspects linked to the transnational gang MS-13, designated a terrorist organization by the US. The charges include murder, femicide, disappearances, and rebellion aimed at establishing a parallel state, with prosecutors confident of securing maximum penalties.
For years, MS-13 has operated systematically, instilling fear and significantly impacting El Salvador's development. Authorities have detained 413 suspects, with arrest warrants issued for 73 others. This crackdown occurs under a controversial state of emergency, active since March 2022, which has expanded arrest powers and suspended certain constitutional rights.
Human rights organizations have raised concerns about arbitrary detentions under the state of emergency, which has led to tens of thousands of arrests. Legal reforms have also enabled mass trials, facilitating the prosecution of such a large number of alleged gang members.
