In El Salvador’s mass trials, lawyers struggle to defend hundreds
Summary
Human Rights Watch reported that El Salvador holds mass trials where hundreds of people are tried and convicted together. Defense lawyers say these trials deny basic fair trial rights, with unclear charges and weak evidence, as part of President Nayib Bukele’s tough crackdown on gangs.Key Facts
- Human Rights Watch reviewed cases involving over 600 defendants in mass trials.
- More than 120 people were convicted in one trial with no acquittals.
- Defendants face vague charges like “collaborating” with gangs, often based on weak or anonymous witness statements.
- Defense lawyers report limited access to case files and restricted communication with clients.
- Mass trials were enabled by a 2023 law passed by El Salvador’s Congress.
- President Bukele declared a state of emergency in 2022 to fight rising gang crime.
- Over 93,000 people, including 3,000 children, have been arrested under this emergency order.
- El Salvador has one of the highest prison populations globally, holding about 2% of its population in jail.
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