Armed soldiers and police officers yesterday entered the Salvadoran Parliament meeting room in San Salvador, where MPs met for an extraordinary session. According to media reports, President Nayib Bukele wanted to force MPs to approve a controversial $ 109 million loan to fund a security plan against criminal gangs. Bukele had arranged the extraordinary meeting during the week.
„Display of raw violence“
Human rights NGOS and international institutions criticized the use of the military. Jose Miguel Vivanco, director of Human Rights Watch (HRW) for America, condemned on Twitter the „display of brute force“ that would warrant an emergency session by the Organization of American States. The EU Representation in San Salvador expressed concern and called for a peaceful solution to the situation.
El Salvador is considered one of the most dangerous countries, Central America generally one of the most violent regions in the world. Hundreds of thousands flee violence and poverty each year, trying to get to the United States through Mexico. US President Donald Trump has declared an emergency on the border with Mexico and wants to build a wall there. El Salvador’s President Bukele intensified the fight against the powerful youth gangs – the Maras – after taking office in June.
