Gang-busting law takes effect in El Salvador
A controversial law aimed at cracking down on gang violence crippling El Salvador has gone into effect without a massive new police deployment onto streets here.
The law signed by President Mauricio Funes took effect Sunday. Other countries in Central America where gangs are active fear it could drive criminals to their territory thinking they could be safer there.
Some local judges doubted the law would usher in the kind of change Funes hopes for.
The law signed by President Mauricio Funes took effect Sunday. Other countries in Central America where gangs are active fear it could drive criminals to their territory thinking they could be safer there.
Some local judges doubted the law would usher in the kind of change Funes hopes for.
"I don't think there is anything unconstitutional about the law. What I think has been poorly done is that the executive branch is making people think that this is going to mean that gangs are just going to be eaten up ... and it is simply not the case," said Judge Roberto Ortuno.
Since late last year the government has moved to crack down on violent gangs in the country, sending a 4,000-strong contingent of troops onto the streets to reinforce police in providing security. But on Monday there was no noticeable new police reinforcement.
El Salvador is currently suffering a brutal gang culture that leaves on average some 13 people murdered each day, along with dozens of cases of armed robbery.
There are some 7,000 gang members currently in Salvadoran jails, but authorities believe another 9,000 gang members are still on the streets.
Copyright © 2010 AFP. All rights reserved.
Since late last year the government has moved to crack down on violent gangs in the country, sending a 4,000-strong contingent of troops onto the streets to reinforce police in providing security. But on Monday there was no noticeable new police reinforcement.
El Salvador is currently suffering a brutal gang culture that leaves on average some 13 people murdered each day, along with dozens of cases of armed robbery.
There are some 7,000 gang members currently in Salvadoran jails, but authorities believe another 9,000 gang members are still on the streets.
Copyright © 2010 AFP. All rights reserved.
Come on Batos Locos, you kill any Salvadoran or intend to, you pay with your own life... in hail !
ReplyDeleteJose Matatias Delgado Y Del Hambre.