Overview
- The Channel 5 documentary Richard Madeley: Inside the World’s Mega Prison aired on 27–28 May 2026 and is now available to stream.
- During filming Madeley and his crew were told to stop recording and escorted out by prison director Belarmino García about 15 minutes into an initial visit before being allowed back later to gather more footage and interviews.
- Madeley was shown a graphic execution video that he said left him 'shaken' and he also spoke on camera with inmates including a man who admitted to dozens of murders.
- The programme documents specific harsh conditions inside CECOT, including lights on 24 hours a day, prisoners confined for about 23.5 hours daily, stacked metal bunks with no mattresses, restricted family contact, no books or activities and frequent use of pitch‑black isolation cells.
- The film has reignited debate over whether CECOT’s ultra‑tough methods helped reduce visible gang violence in El Salvador at the cost of civil liberties, while prompting scrutiny of institutional control over reporting and criticism of Madeley’s tone and editorial approach.