A recent report by the human rights organization Cristosal has shed light on the situation in El Salvador's prisons, revealing that at least 261 people have died during President Nayib Bukele's crackdown on street gangs. The crackdown, which began 2 1/2 years ago, has resulted in the detention of 81,110 suspected gang members.
According to the report, the government's sweeps have been criticized for their arbitrary nature, often targeting individuals based on appearance or place of residence. Approximately 7,000 people have been released due to a lack of evidence supporting their detention.
The report highlighted that as of April 15, 88 of the 261 deaths may have been linked to criminal acts, although specific details were not provided. Of the remaining deaths, 87 were attributed to illnesses, 14 to acts of violence, and the cause for the other 72 remains unidentified.
The report's author, lawyer Zaira Navas, expressed concern over the conditions in El Salvador's prisons, citing issues such as torture, inadequate food, and a lack of medical attention. Navas stated that there appears to be a deliberate failure to protect the rights of incarcerated individuals.
Despite allegations of human rights abuses, President Bukele maintains high popularity in El Salvador due to a significant decrease in homicide rates following the crackdown. The country, once known for its high levels of violence, now boasts the lowest homicide rate in the region.
In a separate report by Humanitarian Legal Relief in April, it was estimated that at least 241 people had died in Salvadoran prisons since the initiation of the crackdown.
While the government has not yet responded to the recent report by Cristosal, the situation in El Salvador's prisons continues to raise concerns among human rights advocates and the international community.
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