Mass trial for 486 alleged MS-13 gang leaders begins in El Salvador

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Footage released by the attorney general's office shows large groups of men in prison attending the trial via video link.

The attorney general's office said it had compelling evidence that would allow maximum penalties to be imposed on those found guilty.

United Nations experts said mass trials undermine the exercise of the right to defence and the presumption of innocence of detainees.

A mass trial for 486 suspected MS-13 gang members began in El Salvador. The attorney general's office released footage showing large groups of men in prison attending the trial via video link. The defendants are accused of more than 47,000 crimes, including murder, extortion, drug and arms trafficking, between 2012 and 2022. United Nations experts criticized mass trials for undermining the right to defence and presumption of innocence, while the attorney general's office said it has compelling evidence to permit maximum penalties if convicted.

A mass trial of 486 suspected MS-13 gang leaders has begun in El Salvador. The group are collectively accused of committing more than 47,000 crimes, including murder, extortion, drug and arms trafficking, between 2012 and 2022. Among those on trial are people alleged to have been involved in a wave of gang violence in March 2022, which saw 87 people killed in one weekend, and led President Nayib Bukele to declare a 'war on gangs'. The attorney general's office said it had compelling evidence that would allow maximum penalties to be imposed on those found guilty. The charges also include femicide, disappearances, and 'rebellion for attempting to maintain territorial control to establish a parallel state'. It said 413 suspects were in custody, while arrest warrants had been issued for 73 others prosecuted in absentia. The National Civil Police said it had developed research and monitoring efforts enabling it to locate, capture, and document the criminal activity of the suspects.

Legal changes in El Salvador have allowed for mass trials, setting the legal framework for proceedings like the current case.

MS-13, a transnational gang, was designated as a terrorist organization by the United States in 2025.

A controversial state of emergency, which expanded powers to arrest those suspected of gang affiliation or support and suspended some constitutional rights, has been in place since March 2022.

A wave of gang violence in March 2022 included 87 people killed in one weekend and led President Nayib Bukele to declare a 'war on gangs'.