El Salvador's State of Emergency and War on Gangs

SOURCE www.barrons.com
El Salvador's two-year state of emergency, aimed at combating gang violence, has led to a human rights crisis with concerns about state violence and lack of due process. While homicides have decreased, there are alarming figures of deaths in state custody and enforced disappearances.

Key Points

  • State of emergency suspended need for arrest warrants
  • Approximately 78,000 people detained under emergency provision
  • 235 deaths in state custody as of February
  • Prison overcrowding at 148%
  • 327 cases of enforced disappearances reported

Pros

  • Reduction in homicides to the lowest rate in three decades

Cons

  • Human rights violations and lack of due process
  • Deaths in state custody
  • Prison overcrowding
  • Enforced disappearances