Introduction: Life Inside El Salvador’s Notorious Prisons
In a shocking exposé, a former detainee reveals the brutal conditions inside El Salvador’s prisons amid President Nayib Bukele’s controversial “war on gangs.” Thousands have been arrested without due process, including innocent civilians. One man’s harrowing four-month ordeal—where guards repeatedly told inmates, “You are all terrorists”—exposes systemic abuse.
Mass Arrests: No Warrants, No Rights
Since March 2022, El Salvador’s state of emergency has allowed security forces to detain over 75,000 people, often based on flimsy evidence like tattoos or anonymous tips. Human rights groups report widespread wrongful arrests.
A 28-year-old construction worker (identity protected) described his arrest: “They stormed my home at night, no warrant. When I asked why, an officer just said, ‘You fit the description.’”
Prison Conditions: Overcrowding, Filth, and Abuse
Detainees face inhumane treatment:
– Cells for 30 people crammed with 100+ inmates
– No medical care, spoiled food with maggots
– Beatings and psychological torture by guards
“We slept standing up. If you collapsed, you’d be trampled,” the former detainee said. “Guards poured water on the ground instead of giving it to us.”
Forced Confessions and Deaths in Custody
Interrogations involved threats and coercion:
– Prisoners forced to sign false confessions under duress
– 153+ deaths in custody (Amnesty International)
– Families denied information about detained loved ones
“They told me, ‘Sign or you’ll never see your family again,’” the source admitted.
Bukele’s Defiance Amid International Criticism
Despite UN and human rights group condemnations, Bukele defends the crackdown, citing reduced gang violence. His social media showcases humiliating prison images, reinforcing his tough stance.
But experts warn:
– Mass arrests radicalize communities
– Innocents face lifelong stigma
– Long-term instability risks
Release Without Justice
After four months, the detainee was freed without explanation—no apology or charges. Yet trauma remains: jobs are scarce, and fear of re-arrest persists.
“This isn’t justice; it’s vengeance,” says a Salvadoran lawyer. As prisons overflow, families demand answers: Will accountability ever come?
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