El Salvador's President, Nayib Bukele, has fiercely defended against international media and human rights organizations' criticism regarding the massive trial of 486 alleged leaders of the notorious MS-13 gang, branding them unequivocally as "terrorists." He likened the trial to the historic Nuremberg Trials.
In a social media post last Thursday, Bukele challenged the narrative presented by some international outlets and NGOs, showing images of the defendants and stating, "These are the 'alleged gang members' that some international media speak of, the ones that certain NGOs refer to as 'civilians' and passionately defend."
He strongly refuted the portrayal of these individuals as civilians or mere suspects: "To their victims, they weren't 'alleged gang members.' They weren't 'civilians' to the communities that endured their rule for decades. They weren't 'innocent' to the families still mourning loved ones murdered or missing because of these terrorists."
Bukele emphasized that the accused are not petty criminals but recognized gang leaders, many already convicted of heinous crimes such as murder, sexual assault—often followed by killing—extortion, and kidnapping.
The Scope of the Trial
Initiated on April 20, this trial, which is the largest in El Salvador's history, accuses the defendants of over 47,000 crimes committed between 2012 and 2022. Among these are more than 29,000 confirmed murders, according to the Attorney General's Office.
The charges include ordering 86 murders during the weekend of March 25-27, 2022, an event that triggered the declaration of a state of emergency.
Of the 486 defendants, 413 are appearing virtually from prisons—over 250 from CECOT, a high-security mega-prison—while 73 are fugitives being tried in absentia.
Historical Comparisons and Global Reactions
To justify the legal principle applied, Bukele drew a historical parallel: "The only 'novel' aspect is holding leaders accountable for the crimes committed by their organizations. But we didn't invent this principle; it's called 'command responsibility,' used in Europe during the Nuremberg Trials."
He asserted, "If Europe could apply it, so can we. We are not worth less than them, and we too have the right to live in peace."
This comparison sparked international debate. Former Human Rights Watch director Kenneth Roth labeled the trial "unjust" for involving hundreds of defendants in a collective process that presumes collective guilt. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and Amnesty International have also criticized the trial for limiting defense access and due process violations.
Security Measures and Their Impact
The state of emergency, declared on March 27, 2022, and extended monthly by the Legislative Assembly, has been in place for over four years, resulting in more than 83,000 gang-related arrests.
The security outcomes are undeniable: homicide rates dropped from 18 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2021 to 1.9 in 2025. Bukele has celebrated over 900 consecutive days without homicides in the country.
In November 2024, a previous mega-trial had already sentenced 71 MS-13 leaders to up to 1,860 years in prison each, setting a precedent for the current proceedings.
Understanding El Salvador's Legal Approach to Gang Violence
What is the significance of the Nuremberg Trials comparison?
The comparison to the Nuremberg Trials highlights the use of "command responsibility," which holds leaders accountable for the actions of their organizations, a principle that Bukele is applying to gang leaders in El Salvador.
How has the state of emergency affected crime rates in El Salvador?
The state of emergency has significantly reduced crime rates, with homicide rates falling from 18 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2021 to 1.9 in 2025, marking over 900 consecutive days without homicides.
Why has the trial of MS-13 leaders been controversial?
The trial has faced criticism for its collective nature, which some argue assumes collective guilt, and for alleged violations of due process, including restricted access to defense.