Early release plan announced

Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele announced a plan on October 13 to release under conditions half of the 92,000 detainees held since the start of a state of exception in 2020. The plan comes amid ongoing debates about the legal and human rights implications of mass arrests.

State of exception and mass arrests

The state of exception, declared in 2020 to combat organized crime, led to the arrest of thousands of people suspected of gang ties. These arrests significantly reduced crime rates but drew criticism for lacking judicial oversight and due process.

International criticism and human rights concerns

International organizations have criticized the arrests for being arbitrary and for failing to provide sufficient legal protections. Human rights defenders have raised concerns that many detainees may have been wrongly incarcerated under harsh conditions.

President responds to questions about release

During a press conference, President Bukele confirmed that authorities were considering releasing some detainees, responding to earlier comments by his brother and advisor, Ibrajim Bukele, about re-examining arrest cases.