Life inside Nayib Bukele's mega prison in El Salvador | International

Nathan Rivera

16/10/2023

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This Friday the Government of El Salvador opened the doors of the Terrorism Confinement Center to a group of journalists. This is the first visit allowed to the facilities, which have become the flagship of Nayib Bukele's strategy against gangs.

The prison is located 74 kilometers from San Salvador, surrounded by a concrete wall 11 meters high and 2.1 km long, with no telephone signal and only one entrance road.

The center was designed to house up to 12,000 prisoners. But in El Salvador's prisons, more than 90% of pardons remain held without a final sentence, a situation that has been criticized by human rights groups. The lack of recreational activities for prisoners and the random arrest of civilians have also been noted as violations of due process.

Inside the prison, inmates are not allowed to speak without authorization. The center also has punishment cells, dark and with nothing inside.

Outside of this unprecedented visit, the inmates only have contact with the guards, who prefer to keep their identity secret for security reasons. The entry of relatives of the detainees is not allowed.

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Author Profile

Nathan Rivera
Allow me to introduce myself. I am Nathan Rivera, a dedicated journalist who has had the privilege of writing for the online newspaper Today90. My journey in the world of journalism has been a testament to the power of dedication, integrity, and passion.

My story began with a relentless thirst for knowledge and an innate curiosity about the events shaping our world. I graduated with honors in Investigative Journalism from a renowned university, laying the foundation for what would become a fulfilling career in the field.

What sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth. I refuse to settle for superficial answers or preconceived narratives. Instead, I constantly challenge the status quo, delving deep into complex issues to reveal the reality beneath the surface. My dedication to investigative journalism has uncovered numerous scandals and shed light on issues others might prefer to ignore.

I am also a staunch advocate for press freedom. I have tirelessly fought to protect the rights of journalists and have faced significant challenges in my quest to inform the public truthfully and without constraints. My courage in defending these principles serves as an example to all who believe in the power of journalism to change the world.

Throughout my career, I have been honored with numerous awards and recognitions for my outstanding work in journalism. My investigations have changed policies, exposed corruption, and given a voice to those who had none. My commitment to truth and justice makes me a beacon of hope in a world where misinformation often prevails.

At Today90, I continue to be a driving force behind journalistic excellence. My tireless dedication to fair and accurate reporting is an invaluable asset to the editorial team. My biography is a living testament to the importance of journalism in our society and a reminder that a dedicated journalist can make a difference in the world.

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