SAN SALVADOR, March 27, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - El Salvador approved a bill on Thursday allowing courts to sentence minors to life in prison for rape, murder or terrorism, the latest push in President Nayib Bukele's crackdown on gangs. Bukele, who has called himself the "world's coolest dictator," has filled El Salvador's prisons with thousands of suspected gang members in a sweep that has raised allegations of major human rights abuses. The Latin American country passed a constitutional reform earlier this month to allow life imprisonment for "murderers, rapists and terrorists." An especially contested policy allows anyone accused of gang affiliation to be sent to prisons for adults. The crackdown has slashed homicide rates to historic lows, but prompted accusations of human rights violations.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha March 27, 2026 18:04 UTC