El Salvador extends state of emergency for third time

22/6/2022 12:44

        El Salvador extended a controversial state of emergency to combat gangs for the third time on Tuesday, prompting criticism from human rights organizations over the suspension of constitutional protections.
        
        President Nayib Bukele's government first passed what was meant to be a 30-day measure in late March after the Central American country's murder rate spiked.
        
        Lawmakers overwhelmingly voted to extend the measure for another month beginning June 25, giving security forces extra powers to fight violent gangs. The extension passed with 67 votes in favor out of a possible 84, with 15 against.
        
        Multiple surveys show that 70% of Salvadorans support the government's current measures to reduce gang crime. Two previous extensions of the state of emergency were each for one month.
        
        In the three months since it began, security forces have arrested more than 41,300 people, including 1,190 minors, for allegedly belonging to or collaborating with the gangs, official data show.