Our World (2007)
S17E08 Inside El Salvador's Gang Crackdown
Episode Overview
El Salvador, once known as the 'murder capital' of the world, has been under the grip of violent rival gangs for nearly thirty years. However, the tide has turned with the rise of a young, media-savvy president who has declared an all-out war on gang activity. Over the past year, he has implemented emergency constitutional measures, granting police extensive arrest powers. With the State of Exception marking its one-year milestone, over 65,000 arrests have been made, and images of a new mega prison have captured global attention. Yet, beneath this facade of newfound freedom lies a troubling truth: the government faces accusations of detaining thousands of innocent individuals without trial, violating their human rights. Will Grant explores the experiences of families affected by this contentious policy, revealing the hidden costs of achieving peace on the streets.
