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After the US State Department affirmed that it is concerned about the violence in El Salvador and that they continue to support that country in its efforts to reduce the proliferation of gangs, President Nayib Bukele responded that they did obtain help to combat crime, but under the administration of Republican President Donald Trump.
“The United States government continues to support El Salvador to reduce the proliferation of gangs. Really?” Bukele questioned.
Later, he added, “yes, we got support from the US government to fight crime, but it was UNDER THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION. Now he is only supporting the gangs and their “civil liberties,” criticized the Salvadoran president.
“The U.S. government continues to support El Salvador to reduce the proliferation of gangs”. Really?
Yes, we got support from the U.S. government to fight crime, but the was UNDER THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION.
You are only supporting the gangs and their “civil liberties” now. https://t.co/SJK4vEVYcs
– Nayib Bukele (@nayibbukele) April 11, 2022
For a few days, El Salvador has imposed a state of emergency to counter the violence attributed to gangs, they also announced a series of measures criticized by the media and national and international organizations.
USA: LAW LENDS TO ATTEMPTS TO CENSOR MEDIA
On Sunday, the US Department of State highlighted its concern about the violence in El Salvador and the approval and implementation of the April 5 amendment to the Criminal Code by the Legislative Assembly that criminalizes reporting on certain activities of gangs.
President Joe Biden’s administration said the law lends itself to attempts to censor the media, prevent reporting on corruption and other matters of public interest, and silence critics of the Salvadoran government.
Journalists must be free to do their jobs without fear of violence, threats or unjust arrest, he added.
#LHInternational They are the “weapons of choice for many violent criminals,” the White House added. See details here ⬇️ https://t.co/oFYP8ljlIv
– La Hora Newspaper (@lahoragt) April 11, 2022
“We continue to support El Salvador in its efforts to reduce the proliferation of gangs. Since 2008, we have invested $411 million to improve citizen security and help the Salvadoran government combat gang violence. Examples include the construction of a state-of-the-art forensic laboratory in Nuevo Cuscatlán and assistance to recover and renovate public spaces such as Parque Cuscatlán”, they mention in a statement.
They also stress that they are concerned about the uptick in violence and homicides committed by the MS-13 and Barrio 18 gangs in El Salvador on March 25, 26 and 27.
Lastly, they add that gangs pose a threat to the national security of El Salvador and the United States and therefore urged that country to address this threat while protecting vital civil liberties, including freedom of the press, due process and freedom of expression.
Bukele’s comment, while following a trend adopted by the government of that country, which has maintained a tense relationship with the administration of President Joe Biden.
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