The Legislative Assembly of El Salvador has extended this Wednesday the state of exception for another 30 days, despite growing concerns over human rights abuses and extrajudicial killings.
The Legislative Assembly of El Salvador approved the 55th extension of the state of exception on Wednesday, continuing a measure that has been in place since 2022 as part of the government’s “war on gangs.”
This extension, which suspends constitutional guarantees, was passed with 57 out of 60 votes in the Congress and will be in force until October 27.
RELATED: Hidden Costs of Bukele Prison Model El Salvador Crisis 2026
The decree, approved without legislative debate, alleged the “complexity of criminal activity” and the need for a “rigorous response” from the state.
Human rights activists and organizations have strongly criticized the state of exception, pointing to at least 93,162 arrests made under the measure, with the government accusing those detained of belonging to or collaborating with gangs.
#TCSN | La Asamblea Legislativa aprobó por 30 días más el régimen de excepción en El Salvador.
Esta sería la prórroga 55 de la medida que se encuentra vigente desde marzo de 2022. pic.twitter.com/JksV3q1WWv
— TCS NOTICIAS (@tcsnoticias) September 23, 2026
Text reads: “The Legislative Assembly approved for 30 more days the emergency regime in El Salvador. This would be the 55th extension of the measure that has been in effect since March 2022.”
International organizations have also raised alarms, suggesting that the Salvadoran State may be committing crimes against humanity. The lack of transparency and accountability in the implementation of the state of exception has fueled these concerns, with many calling for independent investigations into the reported abuses.
Bukele’s administration has defended the state of exception as a necessary measure to combat gang violence, which has plagued El Salvador for years. However, the prolonged suspension of constitutional rights and the rising number of reported abuses have drawn international scrutiny and condemnation. UN and other global bodies have urged the Salvadoran government to ensure that any measures taken to address crime do not violate international human rights standards.
The extension of the state of exception comes at a time when El Salvador is facing significant challenges, including economic instability and social unrest. Critics argue that the government’s focus on security has come at the expense of addressing these broader issues, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the country.
From teleSUR English via This RSS Feed.