SAN SALVADOR.- He Congress of The Savior extended until January 11 the emergency regime with which the government maintains a “war” against gangs, which has led to the arrest of more than 74,000 suspected members of these gangs.
“The (government’s) request is approved to extend the emergency regime for another 30 days,” said the president of Congress, Ernesto Castro.
The extension of the regime, which allows arrests without a court order, was approved with the votes of 66 deputies allied to the government, with six votes against and five abstentions.
The approved decree indicates that the regime was extended because “the threat persists” from gang members who still operate freely.
“The continuity of extraordinary measures continues to be necessary to provide security,” the decree says.
The extension will be valid until January 11, 2024. The current regime is valid until January 12, 2024. December.
Responding to a spike of 87 murders in one weekend attributed to gangs in March 2022, Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele launched a “war” against these gangs under the protection of the emergency regime, which is questioned by human rights organizations.
The measure has led to the arrest of more than 74,000 suspected gang members, but more than 7,000 innocent people have been released, according to the government.
According to surveys, nine out of ten Salvadorans approve of the measure and feel safe with the emergency regime, which has increased the popularity of Bukele, who is seeking re-election in the co
Source: AFP
