Published TUESDAY February 4, 2025: 'Inside CECOT' by ZUMA Press award winning dpa photo-journalist Juan Carlos: El Salvador, until recently one of the most dangerous countries in the world, but now has record low homicides thanks to newfound security measures by President Nayib Bukele. The small Central American country has offered to take in criminals deported from the US, including those with US citizenship, and house them in its mega-jail. Able to hold 40,000 inmates, the CECOT is made up of eight sprawling pavilions. Its cells hold 65 to 70 prisoners each. They do not receive visits. There are no programs preparing them to return to society after their sentences, no workshops or educational programs. Amnesty International has criticized the 'gradual replacement of gang violence with state violence' in the country. Welcome to 'Inside CECOT'.
© zReportage.com Issue #975 Story of the Week: Published TUESDAY February 4, 2025: 'Inside CECOT' by ZUMA Press award winning dpa photo-journalist Juan Carlos: El Salvador, until recently one of the most dangerous countries in the world, but now has record low homicides thanks to newfound security measures by President Nayib Bukele. The small Central American country has offered to take in criminals deported from the US, including those with US citizenship, and house them in its mega-jail. Able to hold 40,000 inmates, the CECOT is made up of eight sprawling pavilions. Its cells hold 65 to 70 prisoners each. They do not receive visits. There are no programs preparing them to return to society after their sentences, no workshops or educational programs. Amnesty International has criticized the 'gradual replacement of gang violence with state violence' in the country. Welcome to 'Inside CECOT'.
A member of the notorious and violent Maras Salvatrucha or MS13 gang is being held in the maximum-security prison CECOT. Solitary confinement is used as punishment for inmates who commit offenses within the prison, with isolation cells designed to be completely dark except for a small shaft of light from a ceiling hole. The MS-13 gang originated in Los Angeles in the 1980s.
© Juan Carlos/dpa via ZUMA Press
Inmates are taken back to their cells in the maximum-security penal institution CECOT in El Salvador. Since the opening of the mega-prison, President Bukele claims El Salvador's murder rate has fallen from the world's highest to the lowest in the Western Hemisphere.
© Juan Carlos/dpa via ZUMA Press
Inmates take part in an activity that allows them to be outside for 30 minutes a day at the maximum security penitentiary 'Center for the Compulsory Housing of Terrorism' CECOT. Able to hold 40,000 inmates, the CECOT is made up of eight sprawling pavilions. Its cells hold 65 to 70 prisoners each. They do not receive visits. There are no programs preparing them to return to society after their sentences, no workshops or educational programs.
© Juan Carlos/dpa via ZUMA Press
Gang members stand in their cell in the high-security detention center 'Center for the Forced Detention of Terrorism' CECOT. Security at CECOT is designed to make the complex unescapable. Inside, armed guards maintain constant surveillance, and the lights stay on 24/7.
© Juan Carlos/dpa via ZUMA Press
Inmates are seen in cells at CECOT in Tecoluca. The UN and NGOs have raised concern about the treatment of inmates, minors being held and suspects incarcerated as gang members without sufficient proof. The facility is surrounded by electrified fences, 19 watchtowers, and patrolled by 1,000 armed guards, police, and soldiers.
© Juan Carlos/dpa via ZUMA Press
Inmates stand in their cell in the high-security detention center CECOT in El Salvador. The facility is surrounded by electrified fences, 19 watchtowers, and patrolled by 1,000 armed guards, police, and soldiers. Inside, armed guards maintain constant surveillance, and the lights stay on 24/7. Amnesty International has criticized the 'gradual replacement of gang violence with state violence' in the small Central American country.
© Juan Carlos/dpa via ZUMA Press
Inmates are taken back to their cells in the maximum-security penal institution 'Center for the Compulsory Detention of Terrorism' (CECOT) in El Salvador. In 2023 El Salvador inaugurated Latin America's largest prison as part of President Nayib Bukele's plan to fight gangs.
© Juan Carlos/dpa via ZUMA Press
Inmates take part in a carpentry course at Santa Ana Prison. As part of the 'Zero Leisure' program, they are to make furniture for schools and public facilities or take part in other courses. Instructed by specialized personnel, inmates are assigned work activities that they must carry out daily as part of their rehabilitation process. By taking part in these courses, the prisoners can shorten their sentence and learn skills for their future lives.
© Juan Carlos/dpa via ZUMA Press
Inmates take part in a sewing course at La Esperanza (The Hope) prison. As part of the 'Zero Leisure' program, prisoners are to attend various courses and can shorten their sentence and learn skills for their future lives. Instructed by specialized personnel, inmates are assigned work activities that they must carry out daily as part of their rehabilitation process.
© Juan Carlos/dpa via ZUMA Press
Inmates take part in a sewing course at La Esperanza (The Hope) prison. As part of the 'Zero Leisure' program, prisoners are to attend various courses and can shorten their sentence and learn skills for their future lives.
© Juan Carlos/dpa via ZUMA Press
Inmates take part in a mechanics workshop in which they have built an engine out of cardboard boxes at La Esperanza (The Hope) prison in Santa Ana, El Salvador.
© Juan Carlos/dpa via ZUMA Press
Inmates at La Esperanza (The Hope) prison, also known as ''Mariona'', take part in a class. As part of the 'Zero Leisure' program, prisoners here are to attend various courses. By taking part in these courses, the prisoners can shorten their time in prison.
© Juan Carlos/dpa via ZUMA Press
