El Salvador's Bold Move: Housing Juvenile Offenders with Adult Inmates

El Salvador's Congress passed a controversial measure allowing minors involved in organized crime to be housed with adults, albeit separately. This move aligns with President Nayib Bukele's aggressive anti-crime strategy, raising concerns from rights groups over the potential treatment of juvenile prisoners.

In a controversial move, El Salvador's Congress has approved a measure allowing minors convicted of crimes linked to gangs to be housed alongside adult prisoners, though in separate areas. This law applies to offenders under 18 involved in serious crimes such as homicide and arms trafficking.

The legislation comes amid President Nayib Bukele's aggressive crackdown on organized crime, which has seen the suspension of some constitutional rights and the construction of a 'mega prison.' Critics, including rights organizations, have voiced concerns over reports of torture, claims the government denies.

The U.S. is considering sending American convicts to Salvadoran prisons, raising international interest. El Salvador's Congress stated the new law aims to differentiate between serious offenders and those guilty of less severe offenses. Statistics reveal a significant rise in juvenile detentions since the state of emergency began.