El Salvador has initiated an unprecedented mass trial involving 486 alleged members of the notorious MS-13 gang. The proceedings, which began this week, represent one of the largest collective prosecutions in the country's history.
According to the attorney general's office, the defendants are collectively accused of committing over 47,000 crimes between 2012 and 2022. The charges span a range of serious offenses including murder, extortion, and drug and arms trafficking.
Footage released by authorities shows large groups of men in prison uniforms attending the trial remotely via video link from detention facilities. The government claims to have "compelling" evidence that could lead to "maximum penalties" for those convicted.
"Mass trials undermine the exercise of the right to defence and the presumption of innocence of detainees," said United Nations human rights experts in response to the proceedings.
The trial has sparked international debate about criminal justice approaches in Central America. While Salvadoran authorities defend the process as necessary to combat gang violence that has plagued the country for years, human rights organizations have raised concerns about due process and fair trial standards.
This legal action comes amid President Nayib Bukele's controversial crackdown on gang activity, which has included the construction of a massive new prison facility and sweeping arrests of suspected gang members. The government maintains that extraordinary measures are required to address what it describes as a national security crisis.