Fresh allegations have emerged accusing El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele of having struck clandestine agreements with the country’s most notorious gangs to advance his political ambitions — claims his administration vehemently denies.
In an interview with investigative outlet El Faro, Carlos Cartagena Lopez, alias “Charli de IVU,” a leader of the Barrio 18 gang, alleged that Bukele entered into covert arrangements with gang leaders beginning in 2014, during his tenure as mayor of San Salvador. Cartagena claimed these dealings continued up to his successful presidential campaign in 2019.
Similar claims were echoed by Elmer Canales Rivera, known as “El Crook,” a high-ranking figure in the MS-13 (Mara Salvatrucha) gang, who told El Faro that the gangs supported Bukele’s political rise.
The allegations have reignited scrutiny over Bukele’s approach to security, which has drawn both international condemnation for alleged human rights abuses and praise domestically for reducing violent crime.
Controversial release raises questions
The controversy deepened following reports that Cartagena was released from custody shortly after being detained at a police checkpoint in April 2022. His unexpected release raised concerns among local media and critics of the administration, with some pointing to it as potential evidence of political favoritism or clandestine cooperation.
In response, the Salvadoran government issued a firm denial, rejecting the claims as baseless. Officials emphasized the administration’s aggressive campaign against organized crime, which Bukele launched through a state of emergency declared on March 27, 2022.
Under this crackdown, more than 85,000 individuals accused of gang involvement or related crimes have been arrested. The measure, which suspends certain constitutional rights, has been extended multiple times and remains in effect.
National and international reactions
While the allegations remain unproven, they have further polarized public opinion in El Salvador. Bukele’s supporters argue that the accusations are politically motivated and aimed at undermining the country’s security progress, while human rights organizations and opposition figures have called for an independent investigation.
International observers have previously voiced concern about the democratic backsliding and transparency issues under Bukele’s government, particularly following his consolidation of power in the judiciary and legislature.
As El Salvador prepares for its next general elections, the new claims threaten to cast a long shadow over Bukele’s administration and its controversial anti-gang policies, which have defined his presidency to date.
Texas House Republicans on Monday issued civil arrest warrants for more than 50 Democratic representatives who slipped across state lines to deny the ...
Türkiye is conducting its fifth national scientific expedition to the Arctic, leading 19 research projects focused on climate, marine ecosystems, and...
Rwanda has signed a June accord to accept as many as 250 people deported from the United States, officials in Kigali said on Tuesday, marking Washingt...
What happens when language becomes a weapon? When cinema turns into a battlefield? A new AnewZ documentary investigates how Russia’s propaganda mach...
A zoo in Denmark has drawn public attention after announcing that it accepts donations of small domestic animals — including rabbits, guinea pigs, a...
The International Monetary Fund announced Tuesday it has reached a staff-level agreement to disburse around $120 million to El Salvador, following the first review of a $1.4 billion, 40-month extended fund facility program.
In an unprecedented twist to U.S. immigration enforcement, hundreds of migrants, mostly Venezuelans, are being held in one of the world’s most notorious mega-prisons. It’s not in Texas or Arizona, but 70 kilometres east of San Salvador, under the iron grip of Nayib Bukele’s security state.
Over 200 Venezuelans deported to El Salvador face legal limbo as lawyers report no access to clients or case details, raising due process concerns under President Bukele’s controversial security policies.
The United States has no plans to bring back a man it deported to El Salvador, despite a court order and pressure from advocates, U.S. President Donald Trump and Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele said on Monday during a meeting at the White House.
The world’s biggest dance music festival faces an unexpected setback as a fire destroys its main stage, prompting a last-minute response from organisers determined to keep the party alive in Boom, Belgium.
According to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck the Oaxaca region of Mexico on Saturday.
Australian researchers have created a groundbreaking “biological AI” platform that could revolutionise drug discovery by rapidly evolving molecules within mammalian cells.
China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations will send an upgraded ‘version 3.0’ free-trade agreement to their heads of government for approval in October, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Saturday after regional talks in Kuala Lumpur.
A series of earthquakes have struck Guatemala on Tuesday afternoon, leading authorities to advise residents to evacuate from buildings as a precaution against possible aftershocks.
Texas House Republicans on Monday issued civil arrest warrants for more than 50 Democratic representatives who slipped across state lines to deny the chamber a quorum for debating new redistricting maps, thrusting the legislature into its second walk-out crisis in four years.
Türkiye is conducting its fifth national scientific expedition to the Arctic, leading 19 research projects focused on climate, marine ecosystems, and atmospheric data around the Svalbard Archipelago.
What happens when language becomes a weapon? When cinema turns into a battlefield? A new AnewZ documentary investigates how Russia’s propaganda machine operates, tracing its roots from the playbook of Joseph Goebbels to the Kremlin’s cultural strategies today.
A zoo in Denmark has drawn public attention after announcing that it accepts donations of small domestic animals — including rabbits, guinea pigs, and chickens — to feed its carnivores, such as the Eurasian lynx.
Rescue teams in northern Pakistan have ended a two-week search for 11 people who disappeared in last month’s flash floods, declaring them presumed dead, local authorities said Monday.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment