El Salvador introduces life sentences for minors

A controversial package of criminal law reforms promoted by Nayib Bukele, president of El Salvador, came into force today, introducing life imprisonment for minors.

The law establishes life sentences for crimes such as murder (including femicide), rape, and membership in criminal gangs, which are classified as terrorist groups, while denying the possibility of parole or early release, CE Report quotes ANSA.

However, organizations such as the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and Human Rights Watch have criticized the measures, stating that they are incompatible with international constitutional standards.

According to the Inter-American Commission, “imposing life sentences on children and adolescents is incompatible with inter-American jurisprudence, as it is disproportionate to the goal of rehabilitation.” Similarly, Human Rights Watch stated that the reform “contradicts international standards, as penalties for minors should be significantly shorter and offer real opportunities for rehabilitation.”

Bukele’s government has faced numerous criticisms over the impact of its tough anti-crime policies introduced since 2022 alongside a constitutional state of emergency, which remains in force after 49 consecutive extensions.

According to official data cited by the Commission, more than 91,500 people have been arrested since the start of the emergency, while human rights NGOs report at least 500 deaths in prisons during the same period.