El Salvador extends anti-gang crackdown

The crackdown has resulted in more than 65,000 arrests and thousands of alleged rights abuses, but remains popular in a country where gangs once demanded protection payments with impunity.

Inmates identified by authorities as gang members are moved at the Terrorism Confinement Centre in Tecoluca, El Salvador (El Salvador presidential press office/AP)

El Salvador’s congress has voted to approve yet another extension of emergency rules allowing police to round up suspected members of street gangs.

Wednesday’s vote was widely expected and marks the 12th such one-month extension granted to President Nayib Bukele since the measure was first approved on March 27 2022.