CECOT: What is this place?
CECOT (short for Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo) is a maximum-security prison in El Salvador, built under the administration of President Nayib Bukele. It was inaugurated in early 2023 and is officially described by the government as a “Terrorism Confinement Center.”
Key Facts About CECOT:
Confinement of innocent people, including migrants deported from the U.S.
Purpose: To hold alleged gang members and organized crime suspects, especially from groups like MS-13 and Barrio 18.
Location: Tecoluca, in the department of San Vicente, El Salvador.
Capacity: Built to hold up to 40,000 inmates, making it one of the largest prisons in Latin America.
Security: It is known for its extremely strict conditions, including 24/7 surveillance, minimal contact with the outside world, and harsh living environments.
Controversy: Human rights organizations have raised serious concerns about:
Mass detentions without due process
Torture and inhumane treatment
Lack of legal transparency