By emmitt barryWorthy News Washington DC Bureau Chief
(WORTH NEWS) – El Salvador has launched one of the largest criminal proceedings in modern history, putting 486 alleged members of the notorious Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) on trial for a staggering 47,000 combined crimes.
The mass trial began Tuesday inside the country’s high-security terrorism detention center, known as CECOT — a giant “mega-prison” that was built as part of President Nayib Bukele’s offensive on gang violence in 2022. Images released from the proceedings showed rows of detainees dressed in white, sitting and listening as prosecutors outlined a wide range of charges ranging from murder and extortion to arms trafficking.
Authorities say the alleged crimes span a decade from 2012 to 2022, a period marked by an increase in gang control and violence. The crisis reached its peak in March 2022, when 87 people were murdered in a single weekend – prompting Bukele to declare a state of emergency that remains in effect today.
Under legal reforms passed in 2023, El Salvador vastly expanded its ability to conduct mass prosecutions and increased the maximum prison sentence per crime from 45 to 60 years. As of 2026, more than 91,500 suspected gang members have been detained, with CECOT alone capable of housing 40,000 prisoners. Of the defendants in the current trial, 413 are already in custody, while 73 remain fugitives.
Government prosecutors argue that MS-13 operated as a coordinated criminal network that effectively sought to establish a “parallel state”, terrorize communities, and undermine national stability. Officials credit the action with dramatically improving public safety, noting that the murder rate will fall from 7.8 per 100,000 people in 2022 to just 1.3 today.
However, the sweeping measures have drawn sharp criticism from international organisations. The United Nations and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights have raised concerns about due process during the state of emergency, citing suspension of legal protections, extended detention, and limitations on defense rights.
Despite the criticism, Bukele remains widely popular domestically, with an approval rating exceeding 90 percent. He has staunchly defended his policies and accused foreign-backed groups – including those associated with the Open Society Foundations – of trying to undermine El Salvador’s efforts to root out organized crime.
In the United States, MS-13 is also under increasing scrutiny. In 2025, the US government designated the gang as one of several international criminal organizations considered terrorist entities, and Washington has continued efforts to deport suspected members back to El Salvador – a policy that Bukele has openly supported.
16
People are praying right now.
💡 Do you know? One of the best ways you can support
meaningful news Simply by leaving a comment and sharing this article.
📢 Social media algorithms push content when there is more engagement – so every 👍 like, 💬 comment and 🔄 share helps more people discover the truth. 🙌
latest lol news
Amid ongoing tension, Trump extends Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire, emphasizes peace talks
Trump orders Navy to “shoot and kill” minelaying boats in the Strait of Hormuz
Church leaders say evangelist murdered after gospel outreach in Uganda
Iran’s ‘Internet Pro’ rollout seen as a tool of control, not freedom
Virginia judge blocks certification of controversial redistricting referendum as legal battle intensifies
DOJ charges Southern Poverty Law Center with fraud, money laundering amid sweeping investigation
Pastor detained while preaching in UK vows to fight case ‘like the Apostle Paul’ (Worthy News Check)
America stops the supply of dollars to Iraq, pressurizing Iran-backed militias to take action
Trump extends Iran ceasefire deadline as tensions rise in Strait of Hormuz
If you are interested in articles produced by Worthy News, please check out our free syndication service available to churches or online Christian ministries. To know more, visit Qualified plugins.
