Overview
- Set to take effect April 26, the reforms allow life terms for severe crimes including homicide, femicide, rape, gang membership, and aiding those offenses.
- The law establishes dedicated criminal courts and mandates reviews of life sentences decades into a term based on the person’s age and the gravity of the crime.
- The overhaul extends a state of emergency that began in 2022 and expanded police powers, with about 91,650 people detained through mass arrests and large group trials.
- UNICEF and the UN child-rights committee said life sentences for minors break global standards that prioritize rehabilitation, and Human Rights Watch raised similar concerns.
- An independent expert panel known as GIPES recently alleged crimes against humanity under the crackdown, while supporters point to sharp drops in homicides and Bukele’s strong public backing.