An investigation by Human Rights Watch (HRW) has revealed alarming misconduct within the Salvadoran police force, casting significant doubt on El Salvador’s judicial integrity under President Nayib Bukele. Policemen themselves have come forward, exposing practices that have pervaded since the initiation of the president’s “war on gangs” on March 27, 2022. The emergency state has led to the detention of an astounding 86,000 individuals, including over 3,000 minors. These actions coincide with allegations of arbitrary arrests and abuses of power.
Documents and interviews from a selection of 11 officers indicate troubling patterns, such as arrest quotas enforced by commanders, often resulting in the fabrication of evidence and circumventions of judicial checks and balances. Officers disclosed that they were compelled to arrest “three to four people per shift” or potentially face severe professional consequences, including reassignment or disciplinary measures.
HRW’s report suggests that the pressure to meet arbitrary quotas prompts officers to detain people based on superficial indicators, such as tattoos, or unproven anonymous claims. One officer recounted being ordered to arrest any five people, regardless of the validity of the charges. Furthermore, instances were noted where individuals were re-arrested immediately after gaining release by court order.
The report details an environment where impunity has reportedly facilitated bribery and coercion, including soliciting sexual favors in exchange for not detaining relatives. Despite a marked decrease in gang violence as noted by some officers, they have warned that these unchecked abuses could further erode the rule of law in El Salvador.
HRW’s Americas director, Juanita Goebertus, emphasized the perilous path the country traverses without strong oversight and accountability mechanisms. She stressed that, “without them, the state of emergency tools risk becoming enduring instruments of power that undermine citizens’ rights and legal protections.”
The HRW findings paint a divergent narrative from the image President Bukele projects internationally, highlighting the stakes involved in maintaining the balance between security initiatives and human rights. For those interested in deeper insights, the full report and analysis from HRW can be accessed here.