Protesters in El Salvador March Against Anti-Gang Crackdown Ahead of Miss Universe Event

At least 300 people demonstrated in El Salvador on Saturday to protest against an anti-gang crackdown they believe is leading to the imprisonment of innocent individuals. The protest took place just hours before the country is set to host the Miss Universe competition for the first time since 1975.

Since March 2022, certain constitutional guarantees have been suspended in a controversial state of exception supported by President Nayib Bukele. This has allowed state security forces to arrest over 70,000 alleged gang members.

The crackdown has been widely embraced by Salvadorans and has contributed to a reduction in crime and homicide rates. The decrease in crime has also attracted international events like Miss Universe, for which El Salvador reportedly invested $60 million to host.

Despite its popularity, human rights organizations have accused the crackdown of resulting in arbitrary arrests, torture, and the deaths of detainees.

In the capital, San Salvador, protesters marched on Saturday from the city’s Monument to the Constitution to a hotel where numerous Miss Universe participants are staying.

“We want Miss Universe to see that Salvadorans are suffering,” said Guadalupe Avila, 67, whose 27-year-old son Carlos was arrested 19 months ago. Avila held a sign with photos of her son, an artist, and documents showing a clean criminal record.

Some protesters carried sashes with messages such as “Miss Political Prisoners,” “Miss Persecution,” and “Miss Mass Trials,” in reference to the group trials that have been announced for thousands of people arrested in the crackdown.

Outside the hotel, dozens of police and soldiers were present, patrolling with armored vehicles as protesters demonstrated.

(Reporting by Nelson Renteria; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)