'War on Crime' in El Salvador: Gang Members Sentenced to Up to 1,335 Years in Prison

According to Financial News, as El Salvador continues its aggressive crackdown on gangs, members of the notorious Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) have been handed prison sentences of up to 1,335 years. These individuals were reportedly involved in 42 murders, numerous disappearances, and a range of other crimes.
On the 21st (local time), Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) reported that the Office of the Attorney General of El Salvador announced prison sentences for 248 gang members implicated in 42 murders and dozens of disappearances, among other offenses.
One individual received a sentence of 1,335 years in prison, while the others were given lengthy sentences ranging from 463 to 958 years. Authorities in El Salvador emphasized that these measures are intended as a warning to organized crime groups.
President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador declared a state of emergency in March 2022, allowing the arrest of suspects without warrants and launching a sweeping campaign against organized crime. During this period, more than 90,000 people were detained, with around 8,000 later released after being found innocent.
Although El Salvador, once known for having the highest murder rate in the world, has seen its homicide rate drop to historic lows, some human rights groups have raised concerns about abuses of power by law enforcement.
MS-13 is an international criminal organization based in El Salvador, notorious for brutal crimes such as murder, mutilation, kidnapping, and human trafficking.
Another major gang, Barrio 18, reportedly once controlled about 80% of the country’s territory. The government of El Salvador estimates that these gangs have been directly or indirectly involved in more than 200,000 deaths over the past 30 years.
Earlier this year, the Federal government of the United States designated MS-13 as a terrorist organization. Donald Trump, former President of the United States, referred to MS-13 as "possibly the most evil, the world’s worst gang," and described them as "sick and deranged."


hsg@fnnews.com Han Seung-gon Reporter