El Salvador: State of emergency extended until at least Sept. 13 /update 17

Event

The government has extended the existing nationwide state of emergency until at least Sept. 13. The state of emergency enables authorities to suspend some civil liberties, such as prohibiting certain gatherings and carrying out arrests without warrants. Under these measures, legal defendants have their rights to defense limited and may be held in preventive detention for up to 15 days. Furthermore, authorities are legally permitted to intercept correspondence and telecommunications. Enhanced security measures are in place in prisons nationwide. Most business operations, religious gatherings, sports events, and academic activities may continue as usual unless authorities state otherwise.

Authorities may impose elevated security measures in major cities nationwide, including condoning off certain neighborhoods or districts and executing enhanced searches for suspected criminals. Increased security is also likely in lower-income neighborhoods where violent crime is a concern. Individuals entering or leaving such areas may also be searched. Sporadic searches of cargo and vehicles could prompt business and transport disruptions.

Context

Authorities had initially declared a 30-day nationwide state of emergency in El Salvador in March 2022 to combat a wave of gang-related murders. The measure has been extended multiple times. Since the beginning of the state of emergency, authorities have made nearly 72,000 arrests of suspected gang members. Human rights groups have claimed that some of these have included arbitrary arrests of individuals not working with gangs.

Advice

Heed the instructions of security personnel. Plan accordingly for possible travel and freight shipping delays due to checkpoints and tighter security inspections. Remain courteous and cooperative if approached and questioned by law enforcement officers.