El Salvador's prison faces criticism for harsh inmate conditions

El Salvador’s maximum-security prison, called the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT), is known for its harsh conditions. Recently, a video showed new inmates, including gang members, being treated roughly as they arrived. The video highlighted violent practices, such as shackling, forced haircuts, and crowded living conditions. President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador supports tough measures against crime. He has partnered with former President Donald Trump to house U.S. deportees, particularly those connected to gangs, in CECOT. Bukele believes this prison is a critical part of his anti-crime strategy. The prison, located in Tecoluca, has a poor reputation. Built in 2022, it was designed to combat rising gang violence in El Salvador. Critics say that conditions there violate human rights. Each cell, often overcrowded, has minimal facilities and lacks basic comforts. Inmates are kept isolated, with constant monitoring by guards. Despite a decrease in the crime rate since the prison opened, many worry about the treatment of inmates. Human rights advocates claim that practices like torture and forced labor are occurring. Experts note that CECOT's severe conditions diverge significantly from international norms for humane treatment of prisoners. Both Bukele and Trump have praised the prison system for being cost-effective. The U.S. government has agreed to pay a fraction of what it would cost to house inmates in American prisons. They argue this approach enhances safety, but critics fear it prioritizes punishment over rehabilitation. Looking ahead, Bukele hopes to expand the prison’s role by accepting criminals from other countries. His administration claims these actions will contribute to a safer society while making the prison system sustainable.