Mass Trial of MS-13 Leaders Ends with Record Prison Sentences

The mass trial of leaders of the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang in El Salvador concluded after three months, with prosecutors requesting thousands of years in prison for 485 defendants, including the 22-member "ranfla histórica" leadership. Source: clarin The trial, the first of its kind against a gang's top hierarchy, was conducted virtually from the Cecot mega-prison and involved evidence of 14,420 crimes committed between 2012 and 2022. Source: excelsiormx

Trial and Charges

• The prosecution presented 650 audio recordings and 22,000 documents, including police reports and autopsies. Source: clarin Defendants face charges including homicide, extortion, drug trafficking, and rebellion.
• The court is expected to issue sentences that effectively ensure the accused never leave prison. Prosecutor Max Muñoz stated: "Not even 10 lives would be enough to serve those sentences." Source: excelsiormx
• Additionally, the prosecution demanded $9 million in civil compensation for aggravated extortion. Source: excelsiormx

Controversy and Reactions

• The trial stems from a state of exception declared in March 2022 after the murder of 87 people, which has led to the arrest of about 92,000 people without judicial order, according to official figures. Source: clarin
• Human rights groups accuse the government of President Nayib Bukele of committing crimes against humanity and imprisoning innocent people, and claim there is no judicial independence in El Salvador. Source: clarin
• Bukele, who governs with sweeping powers, defends the crackdown as necessary to dismantle gangs. Source: both