peru-hopes-to-build-“modern-and-efficient”-prisons-like-those-in-el-salvadorPeru hopes to build “modern and efficient” prisons like those in El Salvador
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By Luis De Jesus

Feb 25, 2024, 16:43 PM EST

The Minister of Justice and Human Rights of Peru, Eduardo Arana, was in El Salvador as part of an official visit to explore the possibility of implementing in his country a prison system similar to the one that operates in Salvadoran territory. This occurred within the framework of an exchange of experiences in citizen and prison security, highlighting the importance of strengthening the justice and internal security systems, the Efe news agency published.

The initiative arose after Peruvian Prime Minister Alberto Otárola expressed interest in adopting El Salvador’s “modern and efficient” prisons as a measure to address the prison overpopulation facing Peru. In recent statements, he recognized that the Andean country is suffering a crisis in its prison systems and that the implementation of successful models, such as the one implemented by President Nayib Bukele, could be a viable solution.

Arana’s trip was authorized by the Peruvian government through a supreme resolution issued last Tuesday. The document highlights the importance of strengthening the comprehensive security of prisons and improving control and intelligence mechanisms, as well as the need for inter-institutional coordination to guarantee effective administration of justice.

Inmates identified by authorities as gang members sit on the floor of the Anti-Terrorism Confinement Center prison in El Salvador. Photo: Press office of the presidency of El Salvador via AP

The visit of the Peruvian Minister of Justice and Human Rights also gained relevance in the context of the implementation of the National Penitentiary Policy for 2030 in Peru, which seeks to reform the penitentiary system and address the challenges related to prison overpopulation and security within the prisons. prisons.

El Salvador’s prisons have been the subject of debate and controversy due to complaints from human rights organizations about alleged violations of inmates’ rights. However, the Peruvian government shows interest in exploring its penitentiary model with the aim of improving prison conditions and reducing the influence of criminal organizations within penitentiary centers, according to Efe.

A prison population of 100,000 inmates

Despite efforts to reform the prison system, Peru faces a challenging situation in terms of security and justice. With a prison population close to 100,000 prisoners, of which half have no sentence, the government seeks effective strategies to prevent crime and guarantee citizen security.

Inmates identified by authorities as gang members, at the Terrorism Confinement Center in El Salvador. Photo: Press office of the Presidency of El Salvador via AP

Eduardo Arana’s trip to El Salvador is also framed in a context in which comparisons with the so-called Bukele Plan, promoted in July and August 2023 in Peru to address growing citizen insecurity, are ruled out. The Peruvian Executive, led by Dina Boluarte, has emphasized the formulation of its own plan focused on effective strategies and recovery of trust in institutions.

The exchange between Peru and El Salvador would reflect the commitment of both countries to improve their justice and security systems, as well as to find innovative solutions to the penitentiary challenges they face. Arana’s visit is expected to generate tangible results and contribute to the strengthening of bilateral relations.

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