El Salvador Approves Life Sentences for Minors Convicted of Murder, Rape, or Terrorism

The government of El Salvador has passed a law allowing courts to sentence minors to life imprisonment for crimes including murder, rape, and terrorism. The move is part of President Nayib Bukele’s ongoing crackdown on gangs, which has drawn international criticism for alleged human rights abuses.

Bukele, who has described himself as the “world’s coolest dictator,” has overseen mass arrests under a 2022 state of emergency, with over 90,000 people detained, many without warrants. While the measures have reduced homicide rates to historic lows, critics say innocent Salvadorans are often caught in the sweep. Around 8,000 people were released after being found innocent.

The constitutional reform earlier this month increased the maximum prison term from 60 years to life, and Bukele pushed for the law to apply even to minors under 18, regardless of gang affiliation. Assembly President Ernesto Castro defended the measure, saying it ensures “none of these criminals will ever see the light of day again.”

Opposition figures, such as Francisco Lira of the right-wing Arena party, criticized the law, arguing that thousands are still awaiting fair trials and that some innocent people are being punished.

The legislation also allows anyone accused of gang affiliation to be sent to adult prisons, a highly contested policy that human rights groups say could put children at severe risk as this latest move highlights El Salvador’s aggressive approach to combating gangs, sparking debate over public safety versus civil liberties.

Written by Adeyemi Adewale