Summary
El Salvador ended 2024 with a record low 114 homicides, equivalent to 1.9 per 100,000 people, making it the safest country in the Western Hemisphere according to President Nayib Bukele.
The drop follows two years under a state of emergency aimed at eradicating gang violence, granting authorities sweeping powers but limiting civil rights.
Over 83,000 arrests have been made, though 354 detainees reportedly died in custody.
While criticized for human rights violations, Bukele’s crackdown has drastically improved security, boosting his popularity.
All Salvadorians I hear from say they are happy with the situation.
Selection bias no? You’re not exactly going to hear from the innocent person stuck in a jail without representation or due process.
Can’t really fault them. Not like it was the safest place to live before he became dictator
Please, tell us all how El Salvador should do it? Go back to the old ways?