Salvadoran President Neyib Bukele Plans Conditional Release from Overcrowded Prisons

Overview of the Plan for Early Release

Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele announced a new plan aimed at decreasing the prison population. The plan would potentially allow conditional early release for up to half of the people detained under a state of emergency. This initiative targets those categorized as gang collaborators—a term encompassing various individuals such as gang lookouts and those who pay extortion money.

Background of the State of Emergency

In March 2022, El Salvador declared a state of emergency following a violent surge that resulted in over 60 fatalities within a day. Although initially set for 30 days, the measure has been extended multiple times. During this period, authorities arrested more than 90,000 individuals as part of efforts to combat violent gang activities involving MS-13 and Barrio 18.

Impact on Crime Rates and Tourism

The emergency measures have coincided with a significant drop in homicide rates in El Salvador. As a result, the country has become more attractive to tourists. However, the measures included suspension or restriction of several constitutional rights, such as the right to legal counsel and visitation rights.

Controversy and Criticism

Human rights organizations have criticized the emergency, citing arbitrary arrests and over 6,000 complaints during its enforcement. At least 575 people reportedly died while in government custody. Critics argue the potential release of prisoners does not compensate for their prolonged detention and resulting harms, including family suffering and loss of employment.

Despite criticism, President Bukele defended the emergency’s necessity to control gang violence. He expressed intentions to eventually end the measure, but stressed the importance of supporting victims of gang activities.

Declining Homicide Rates

President Bukele’s term has seen a dramatic reduction in homicide rates, dropping from 100 per 100,000 residents in 2015 to 1.3 per 100,000 in 2025. However, these figures exclude police killings, prison murders, and bodies found in unmarked graves.

El Salvador’s government has adjusted its homicide definitions, potentially affecting reported figures.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.