In El Salvador, approximately one hundred family members of detainees protested against mass trials for individuals arrested under the state of emergency that has been in effect since March 2022. They denounced irregularities in the judicial processes, claiming that innocent people are being grouped with actual criminals due to the recent legal changes. The protests signal significant public discontent and concern regarding the fairness and integrity of the legal system in the country.

The legislative reform passed in 2023 by the ruling party allows for mass criminal proceedings against alleged gang members, and these hearings can be conducted in an open format. Critics like Samuel Ramírez from the Movement of Victims of the Regime (MOVIR) argue that the government is engaging in what they describe as genocide by failing to differentiate between the innocent and the guilty. The ongoing state of emergency and its associated judicial measures have fostered a climate of fear, raising questions about civil rights and due process in El Salvador.

As protests continue, this situation not only illustrates the desperation of families trying to advocate for their loved ones but also highlights a broader issue of human rights concerns amidst increasing authoritarian governance in the region. The government’s stance and the implementation of mass trials could have far-reaching implications for justice and democracy in El Salvador, resonating with ongoing debates about the balance between security and individual rights in many countries experiencing gang violence.