At least 300 people protested against “arbitrary” arrests in El Salvador on Saturday, just hours before the Miss Universe coronation gala took place, at a time when the country is in a state of emergency to combat gangs.
Since March 2022, the Central American country has been in a state of emergency, with some constitutional guarantees suspended and state security forces able to arrest more than 70,000 suspected gang members.
The popular measure promoted by President Nayib Bukele reduced killings and crimes, but human rights groups denounce arbitrary arrests, cases of torture and about 200 deaths in state detention.
Protesters gathered at the Constitutional Monument north of the capital and marched near the hotel where about 84 delegates and candidates for the international beauty pageant were staying.
“Lose political prisoners”, “Lose mass trials” or “Lose prosecution”
Meanwhile, dozens of police and soldiers guarded the building and patrolled with armored vehicles.
Some protesters wore ribbons across their chests that read “Miss Political Prisoner,” “Miss Mass Trials” or “Miss Persecution” as they sang in unison demanding the freedom of their loved ones.
Guadalupe Ávila, a 67-year-old housewife, requested the arrest of her son Carlos, a 27-year-old urban artist, 19 months ago.
“We want Miss Universe to realize that Salvadorans are suffering. This country is not what they were told,” Ávila told Reuters, showing a sign with photos of his son and documents with no criminal record.
El Salvador, which reported an investment of $60 million to host the international competition, is hosting the competition for the second time since 1975. (Reuters)
Source: La Neta Neta
Karen Clayton is a seasoned journalist and author at The Nation Update, with a focus on world news and current events. She has a background in international relations, which gives her a deep understanding of the political, economic and social factors that shape the global landscape. She writes about a wide range of topics, including conflicts, political upheavals, and economic trends, as well as humanitarian crisis and human rights issues.
