Medellín is making strides in constructing its first megajail, which is designed to hold over 1,300 inmates. This initiative is modeled after the controversial prison system instituted by El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele, known for its stringent control measures aimed at high-risk inmates. Federico Gutiérrez, the mayor of Medellín, highlighted that this move is part of a broader strategy to enhance security in a city once plagued by high levels of violence during the tenure of notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar.

The megajail's design takes inspiration from the Central Center for the Confinement of Terrorism (Cecot) in El Salvador, a facility that has drawn criticism from human rights groups due to reports of inhumane conditions and harsh treatment of prisoners. As Medellín attempts to address its current challenges of crime and overcrowded prisons, the adoption of Bukele's model raises concerns among advocacy groups about the potential for abuses and the implications for human rights standards in Colombia.

This development reflects broader discussions in Colombia regarding how to effectively manage crime while balancing civil rights and innovative penal strategies. The move has drawn mixed reactions from the public and advocates, as they consider the effectiveness of punitive measures in ensuring safety without compromising dignity and human rights.