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.
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.
U.S. President Donald Trump is set to meet with El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele at the White House today, amid growing controversy over the deportation of migrants to El Salvador’s notorious high-security prisons, where many detainees face allegations of gang affiliation and harsh c
The Trump administration deported 17 alleged violent criminals tied to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua and MS-13 to El Salvador over the weekend, the U.S. State Department announced on Monday.
The U.S. Supreme Court recently allowed President Donald Trump's administration to move forward with ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for around 350,000 Venezuelans living in the U.S. Trump has also aimed to end TPS protections for Haitians, Afghans, and others.
The U.S. Supreme Court has granted a request from the Trump administration to lift protections under the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program for approximately 350,000 Venezuelans, potentially opening the door to future deportations while litigation continues.
Lithuania has taken legal action against Belarus at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing Minsk of organizing irregular migrant crossings and violating international obligations.
Indonesia has raised the alert level to the highest for Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki after it erupted eight times over the weekend, the country’s volcanology agency said.
As South Western Railway becomes the latest operator to be renationalised under Great British Railways (GBR), questions remain about whether these changes will lead to better services or lower fares.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on May 15, with discussions reportedly focusing on upcoming peace talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegates in Istanbul.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the war in Gaza will not stop until Hamas is destroyed, following the release of US-Israeli soldier Edan Alexander.
Qatar signed a landmark agreement with U.S. aerospace giant Boeing on Wednesday to acquire 160 aircraft for Qatar Airways, a deal valued at $200 billion. The signing took place in Doha during the visit of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Ukrainian and Russian delegations meet behind closed doors at Istanbul’s Dolmabahçe Palace at 10:00 local time today to explore security guarantees, territorial integrity and a possible ceasefire.
EU approves 17th Russia sanctions, blacklisting almost 200 shadow‑fleet ships, 30 evasion firms and 75 defence figures, banning missile chemicals and arming Brussels to strike Kremlin hybrid and operations.
The U.S. Supreme Court recently allowed President Donald Trump's administration to move forward with ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for around 350,000 Venezuelans living in the U.S. Trump has also aimed to end TPS protections for Haitians, Afghans, and others.
The U.S. Supreme Court has granted a request from the Trump administration to lift protections under the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program for approximately 350,000 Venezuelans, potentially opening the door to future deportations while litigation continues.
Lithuania has taken legal action against Belarus at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing Minsk of organizing irregular migrant crossings and violating international obligations.
Indonesia has raised the alert level to the highest for Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki after it erupted eight times over the weekend, the country’s volcanology agency said.
As South Western Railway becomes the latest operator to be renationalised under Great British Railways (GBR), questions remain about whether these changes will lead to better services or lower fares.
The U.S. Supreme Court recently allowed President Donald Trump's administration to move forward with ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for around 350,000 Venezuelans living in the U.S. Trump has also aimed to end TPS protections for Haitians, Afghans, and others.
The U.S. Supreme Court has granted a request from the Trump administration to lift protections under the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program for approximately 350,000 Venezuelans, potentially opening the door to future deportations while litigation continues.
Lithuania has taken legal action against Belarus at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing Minsk of organizing irregular migrant crossings and violating international obligations.
Indonesia has raised the alert level to the highest for Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki after it erupted eight times over the weekend, the country’s volcanology agency said.
As South Western Railway becomes the latest operator to be renationalised under Great British Railways (GBR), questions remain about whether these changes will lead to better services or lower fares.
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