153 Prison Deaths Reported in El Salvador Following Institution of Emergency Powers
- people have died in Salvadoran prisons since March under emergency powers allowing detention without charges or trial.
- The deaths were the result of torture, lack of medical care, and deprivation of food and medicine according to human rights groups.
- None of the deceased had been convicted of any crime, and the government has provided no official explanation for the deaths.
- Human rights organizations have called on the Salvadoran government to end emergency powers, release innocent detainees, investigate the deaths, and provide information to victims’ families.
- The deaths highlight the punitive policies and human rights abuses allegedly carried out in Salvadoran prisons under President Nayib Bukele according to reports.