El Salvador's prosecutors have launched a major trial bringing 486 suspected MS-13 mafia gang members to court simultaneously, facing charges linked to more than 47,000 crimes amid criticism over human rights violations and justice processes.
The authorities in El Salvador have commenced a large-scale trial against 486 MS-13 gang members, including national leaders, local group heads, and founders. They are accused of collectively committing over 47,000 crimes between 2012 and 2022.
The most serious charges involve participation in 29,000 murders, including a mass killing of 87 people within one holiday week in 2022. This incident prompted President Nayib Bukele to declare an all-out "war on gangs."
Prosecutors stated that beyond murder and extortion charges, MS-13 members face "rebellion" accusations for attempting to establish a parallel state authority to control territories. Previously, President Bukele said these gangs controlled up to 80% of the country.
In this trial, suspects will attend hearings via video link from prison. Prosecutors affirm they have overwhelming evidence to seek the harshest penalties, aiming to settle a historical score for over 200,000 victims killed over the past three decades.
Among nearly 500 defendants, 413 are detained at the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT), a high-security prison built by order of President Bukele. Most defendants participate in the trial remotely from prison, while the remaining 73 are tried in absentia.
Bukele's "iron fist" policy transformed El Salvador from Latin America's most dangerous country into one of the safest today, boosting his popularity to historic highs. However, it has drawn heavy criticism, with over 91,000 arrests, including thousands later proven innocent.
Human Rights Watch has warned that mass trials using "faceless judges" and collective sentencing deny defendants individual defense opportunities. There are also reports of torture and at least 500 deaths occurring during detention.
Despite international pressure, El Salvador's government continues the trial, asserting it is the only way to uproot deeply entrenched gangs originating from Los Angeles streets that have plagued the nation for over 30 years.