The Legislative Assembly of El Salvador, dominated by the ruling party Nuevas Ideas (NI), approved on Thursday to extend by 30 days more the state of exception to combat gangs. Thus, the controversial measure, implemented since March 27, 2022, will complete four years of validity, with the acceptance of a large part of the citizenry and complaints of human rights violations. This new extension is the 49th approved successively by the Congress and extends the measure - initially approved as extraordinary but which has become permanent - until April 30 of the current year. The justification for the extension, approved with the votes of 57 out of 60 deputies in the Legislative body, is «the still existing terrorist groups» that, «if not completely eradicated, would allow a setback to the achievements obtained», according to the decree read during the plenary session. It was pointed out that «while the extraordinary measures decreed have had a successful result, which has meant a reduction in the number of homicides and the capture of more than 91,650 terrorists, it is necessary to prolong said regime of exception». It was also added that «the National Civil Police continues to detect those responsible for the commission of crimes by gang members and thus intervening opportunistically in their intention to continue executing the crimes that for many years denied the peace and tranquility of Salvadorans». «The regime of exception, whose effect has been precise and with a clear strategic direction, continues to be fundamental to combat the criminal phenomenon of organized structures located throughout the national territory», the decree states. The state of exception contemplates the suspension of rights such as the inviolability of communications and the right to defense of detainees, and extends administrative detention to 15 days. In addition, laws have been reformed to allow for mass and collective criminal trials by gang groups, among other legal actions. In the context of this regime, humanitarian organizations have documented at least 6,889 complaints of human rights violations, 98% of which correspond to arbitrary detentions; furthermore, police officers would be implicated in 75% of the abuses. In addition, the deaths of more than 500 detainees under the custody of State Security agents are reported. This state, which has the support of nearly 85% of the population, completes four years of validity just days after a report by international experts pointed out that, within the framework of the measure, human rights violations «could constitute crimes against humanity».
