The administration of President Nayib Bukele has recently authorized state security forces to arrest more than 70,000 people accused of being members of criminal gangs.
El Salvador police on duty at the protest. Photo: Reuters
The widespread crackdown in El Salvador has helped reduce crime rates and murders, attracting international events such as Miss Universe, which El Salvador reportedly invested $60 million to host.
However, human rights groups allege that the crackdown has led to arbitrary arrests, torture and deaths of detainees.
Protesters in the capital San Salvador marched on Saturday from the city's Constitutional Monument to a hotel where dozens of Miss Universe delegates are staying.
“We want Miss Universe to see that the Salvadoran people are suffering,” said Guadalupe Avila, 67, whose 27-year-old son Carlos was arrested 19 months ago.
Some protesters carried banners denouncing the crackdown. Dozens of police and soldiers guarded the building where the Miss Universe pageant was held and patrolled in armored vehicles to control protesters outside.
Mai Anh (according to Reuters)
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