The Global Story
El Salvador: Defeating the drug gangs, but at what cost?
Feb 12, 2025
Will Grant, a BBC correspondent in Central America, offers gripping insights into El Salvador's ongoing battle with drug gangs under President Bukele's controversial policies. The discussion unveils Bukele's aggressive crime control measures, leading to mass arrests and the construction of a mega-prison. Personal stories from two mothers capture the complex emotions surrounding safety and grief amid this crackdown, raising critical questions about human rights and judicial challenges that many families face. It's a poignant look at a nation's struggles.
26:24
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Quick takeaways
- President Bukele's aggressive crackdown on drug gangs has garnered popular support but raises significant human rights concerns due to indefinite detentions.
- The contrasting stories of families affected by Bukele's policies illustrate the complex balance between enhancing security and inflicting personal pain.
Deep dives
The Mega Prison of El Salvador
The mega prison in El Salvador, known as SICOT, is a massive facility designed to house up to 40,000 inmates. It features extensive security measures, including electrified fences and watch towers, presenting a formidable presence in the rural landscape. Inside, prisoners live under strict conditions, often in silence, with limited personal space and harsh living arrangements, highlighting the severe approach taken by the government against gang violence. This prison symbolizes President Nayib Bukele's aggressive crackdown on crime, raising significant human rights concerns as many detainees are held indefinitely without clear paths to appeal or release.
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