EL SALVADOR: La POLÍTICA contra las MARAS BAJA la CRIMINALIDAD, pero ONGs DENUNCIAN ABUSOS | RTVE

Summary

This video highlights the transformation of El Salvador's Parque de la Libertad, once a battleground for rival gangs, into a place where people can now gather and enjoy safely. Under President Bukele's leadership, the government suspended constitutional guarantees and declared a state of emergency to combat gang violence, leading to a drop in crime and increased popularity for Bukele. However, human rights organizations have raised concerns about arbitrary arrests, abuse, and inhumane treatment of detainees. While crime has decreased, the high price of security and fears of false accusations remain contentious issues.

Takeaways

• 🕺 People are now dancing and enjoying themselves in the Freedom Park, a stark contrast to a year ago when this area in El Salvador was a battleground for rival gangs.
• ⚔️ The La Campanera neighborhood, once a stronghold of the 18th Street Gang (Mara Barrio 18), is now heavily militarized.
• 👮 President Bukele's government declared a state of emergency a year ago, suspending constitutional rights under the pretext of eliminating gang violence.
• 📉 Crime rates have significantly dropped, and Bukele's popularity has skyrocketed.
• 🏡 Many residents now feel safer, and there is a general sense of calm in the once-dangerous areas.
• 💬 However, human rights organizations, such as Amnesty International and Reporters Without Borders, have raised concerns over abuses and arbitrary detentions.
• 🚨 Official figures state that 66,000 people have been detained, with reports claiming some detainees are as young as 12 years old.
• 📢 Arrests were made regardless of whether individuals were gang members or simply suspected of committing minor offenses.
• ⚖️ El Salvador's Human Rights Ombudsman has received over 4,000 reports of human rights violations related to these actions.
• 🏢 The transfer of gang members to the new Salvadoran mega-prison has also been criticized for inhumane conditions, with detainees seen handcuffed, shirtless, and overcrowded.

Q & A

What changes have occurred in the Parque de la Libertad in El Salvador over the past year?

The park has transformed from a battleground between rival gangs to a place where people can dance and enjoy themselves, which was unimaginable a year ago.

What was the situation in Colonia La Campanera before the government's intervention?

Colonia La Campanera was controlled by the Mara Barrio 18 gang, making it a dangerous area. Now, it is heavily militarized.

What measures did President Bukele's government take to combat gangs in El Salvador?

The government suspended constitutional guarantees and declared a state of emergency to crack down on gangs.

How has the crime rate changed since the implementation of Bukele's policies?

Crime rates have dropped significantly, contributing to the rising popularity of President Bukele.

What criticisms have been raised about the government's anti-gang measures?

Human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Reporters Without Borders have criticized the government for abuses and arbitrary arrests.

How many people have been detained under the government’s anti-gang efforts?

Official figures report 66,000 detentions, with concerns raised by Human Rights Watch that even children as young as 12 have been arrested.

What human rights concerns have been raised by the Procuraduría in El Salvador?

The Procuraduría has received over 4,000 complaints of human rights violations, including allegations of mistreatment.

How has public safety been affected by the government's actions?

Although crime rates have decreased, some people feel that security comes at a high cost, as arbitrary arrests and false accusations have become a new fear.

What specific abuses have been reported regarding the transfer of prisoners to the new megaprison?

There have been reports of inhumane treatment, with prisoners being transferred while handcuffed, shirtless, and crowded together.

What is the current perception of threats within the community?

Previously, people were threatened by gang members, but now, the threat comes in the form of false accusations leading to arrests.