El Salvador's lawmakers have approved President Nayib Bukele's request for the 24th consecutive one-month extension of an anti-gang emergency decree. This decision, made by congress late Friday, will see the country under the decree until March 27, marking a full two years since its implementation. The decree, which suspends certain rights, has been utilized by Bukele to conduct sweeps resulting in the apprehension of 78,175 suspected gang members. However, rights groups have raised concerns about the arbitrary nature of these arrests, often based on appearance or location, leading to the release of about 7,000 individuals due to insufficient evidence.
The measure received approval with 67 votes in the 84-seat congress, where Bukele's party holds the majority. The original 30-day state of emergency was enacted on March 27, 2022, following a day with 62 reported killings. This decree restricts rights such as the right to assemble, be informed of rights, and access to legal representation, while also extending the detention period without charges to 15 days.
El Salvador has seen a significant decrease in homicide rates, dropping from 6,656 in 2015 to 18 so far this year. In 2023, there were approximately 214 homicides, averaging about one every two days. Despite these improvements, concerns persist regarding abuses within the country's prisons and the potential wrongful targeting of innocent individuals in the anti-gang operations.
Violent street gangs in El Salvador have historically held power in impoverished areas where state presence has been lacking. These gangs have coerced many residents to flee the country to protect themselves and their families from forced recruitment and violence. The economic impact of gang activities has been substantial, with extortion of funds from low-income earners and the closure of businesses that refuse to comply.
President Bukele, who secured reelection in February, is the first president in El Salvador to be reelected. With his party's dominance in congress and influence over the judiciary, Bukele has been able to navigate around constitutional restrictions, allowing for the continuation of the anti-gang emergency decree.
