El Salvador has garnered international attention for its war on gangs, particularly with the construction of the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT), touted as the largest prison in the Americas. This mega-prison is a cornerstone of President Nayib Bukele’s strategy to combat gang violence, but it has also sparked controversy and debate.

Inside El Salvador’s Mega-Prison

CECOT is located in Tecoluca, approximately 45 miles southeast of San Salvador. The facility is designed to house up to 40,000 inmates in eight buildings, each containing 32 cells. Each cell is designed to hold around 100 prisoners, though they are equipped with only two sinks and two toilets.

Life Behind Bars

Photographs and reports reveal the harsh conditions within CECOT. Inmates, often stripped down to their underwear and heavily tattooed, are seen kneeling shoulder-to-shoulder with their hands behind their heads, sometimes with chains linking them together. Guards heavily armed, tower over the prisoners. The cells have simple metal bunk beds without mattresses or blankets. Inmates have limited access to washing basins, and a single toilet is shared by up to 80 people.

Inmates are subject to rigorous security measures. Upon arrival, they undergo thorough screenings using advanced X-ray technology. Constant video surveillance monitors the entire compound, which is surrounded by a 15,000-volt electric fence, gravel flooring to make footsteps audible, and guard towers.

Prisoners eat a consistent menu three times a day in their cells. They eat with their hands, as forks and knives are considered potential weapons. They wear white uniforms consisting of a shirt, shorts, and plastic shoes. They are allowed outside of their cells for only 30 minutes per day to exercise while shackled.

Controversies and Concerns

CECOT and Bukele’s anti-gang campaign have faced criticism from human rights organizations. Concerns have been raised about:

  • Human rights violations: Critics allege mass arbitrary detentions, torture, and abuse-ridden prosecutions.
  • Due process: Security forces are allegedly arresting suspects without warrants. There are reports of arrests based on appearance or social background.
  • Inhumane conditions: Overcrowding, lack of mattresses, and limited access to basic necessities raise concerns about the treatment of prisoners.
  • Lack of rehabilitation: The absence of rehabilitation programs and the justice minister’s statement that inmates will never return to their communities raise questions about the long-term impact of incarceration.

Impact and Implications

Despite the controversies, CECOT has garnered support within El Salvador. Bukele’s government claims that the prison is a necessary tool to combat gang violence and has contributed to a significant drop in homicides.

The construction of CECOT and Bukele’s hard-line approach have inspired similar policies in other Latin American countries. However, the long-term effectiveness and ethical implications of this approach remain subjects of debate.

As CECOT continues to operate, it serves as a stark reminder of the complex challenges of combating gang violence and the importance of upholding human rights and due process.

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