Accusations of Crimes Against Humanity in El Salvador Unveiled

A group of international jurists has accused El Salvador's government of committing crimes against humanity under a state of exception. The allegations, filed with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, suggest systematic torture, murder, and forced disappearances endorsed by President Nayib Bukele's administration, amid a significant reduction in homicides.

On Tuesday, a group of international jurists filed a report with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, accusing El Salvador's authorities of committing crimes against humanity under the nation's state of exception.

The document alleges systematic acts of torture, murder, and forced disappearances occurring as part of a policy promoted by President Nayib Bukele's government. The state of exception, initiated on March 27, 2022, aimed to curb rampant gang violence.

Despite a reported 90% drop in homicides, figures from Bukele's government, the report suggests significant human rights violations, with over 90,000 individuals detained and hundreds having died in custody. Public Defender General Rene Escobar contested these claims, denying any policy endorsing such violations.

(With inputs from agencies.)