El Salvador Allows Life Sentences for Minors

Controversial Reform Expands Life Sentences to Minors

SAN SALVADOR (AP) — Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele on Wednesday signed into law constitutional reforms to permit life prison sentences for people as young as 12, a contentious reform that follows other heavy-handed measures pushed through by the populist leader. The change was passed last month by the Legislative Assembly, which is controlled by Bukele’s party, and would apply to people convicted of committing or acting as an accomplice to crimes including homicide, femicide, rape and gang membership.

New Legal Framework and Sentencing Rules

Previously, the maximum sentence in El Salvador was 60 years for adults and less for youths. The reforms slated to take effect April 26 would create new criminal courts to try cases and stipulate a mandatory review of life terms decades into the sentences, depending on the age of the convict and the gravity of their crimes. The measure was pushed forward by Bukele’s cabinet.

Crackdown on Gangs and Rising Criticism

Critics say the reforms are just the latest harsh move by Bukele more than four years into his war on gangs. Following a burst of gang violence in 2022, Bukele announced a state of emergency that has been repeatedly extended. The government has detained around 91,650 people, with officials saying less than 10% have been released. Prisoners are often judged in mass trials, and lawyers frequently lose track of their clients.

Human Rights Concerns and Political Impact

The crackdown has led to accusations of human rights abuses and arbitrary detention, although it has significantly reduced homicide rates, boosting Bukele’s popularity. The government has also been criticized for weakening democratic institutions, eliminating presidential term limits, and targeting critics, journalists and activists. Human rights organizations have raised concerns before international bodies, arguing that many detentions lack sufficient evidence, a claim the government denies.