Posted: Saturday, April 5, 2025. 8:14 am CST.
By Zoila Palma: Costa Rica’s Justice and Peace Minister, Gerald Campos Valverde, visited El Salvador’s maximum-security gang prison on Friday to review the country’s successful measures in combating gang violence, AP reports.
Campos’ visit, ordered by President Rodrigo Chaves, aimed to learn from El Salvador’s three-year offensive against street gangs under a state of emergency.
“El Salvador’s success in reducing violence has been remarkable, and we are here to see how we can apply these strategies to improve security in Costa Rica,” said Campos.
Last year, Costa Rica honored El Salvador President Nayib Bukele for his efforts to reduce gang-related violence, which has resulted in a significant decline in homicides.
El Salvador’s state of emergency has seen the arrest of 84,000 individuals suspected of gang ties, with suspensions of certain fundamental rights. Despite criticism, the strategy has been credited with a drop in homicides, enhancing Bukele’s popularity.
Campos was particularly impressed by the gang prison built during the state of emergency, where rival gang members are housed together under strict conditions. After his tour, Campos vowed to adopt similar practices in Costa Rica to combat rising crime and improve security.
El Salvador’s Security Minister Gustavo Villatoro emphasized that Costa Rica should tailor its approach to its unique needs, noting that the aim is not to copy, but to adapt successful strategies.
Costa Rica has struggled with increasing violence, particularly from drug trafficking, leading to a record 907 homicides in 2023.
While violent crime remains high, Costa Rica’s government is now looking to El Salvador’s experience as a potential path to restoring peace.
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The post International News: Costa Rica looks to El Salvador’s gang crackdown for solutions to violence appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Saturday, April 5, 2025. 8:14 am CST. By Zoila Palma: Costa Rica’s Justice and Peace Minister, Gerald Campos Valverde, visited El Salvador’s maximum-security gang prison
The post International News: Costa Rica looks to El Salvador’s gang crackdown for solutions to violence appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
