Visit to the Terrorism Confinement Center in El Salvador

Overview

• Location: El Salvador, Terrorism Confinement Center
• Capacity: Approximately 40,000 prisoners
• Majority: Dangerous gang members and criminal leaders classified as terrorists.

Security Measures

• Maximum security prison with multiple security filters (7 security checks).
• Body searches and identification checks before entry.
• No mobile phone signals allowed inside.
• All personal belongings confiscated upon entry.
• Technology used for thorough body searches and data capture.

Inmate Life

• Inmates have no visitation rights; all forms of contact with the outside world are prohibited.
• Prisoners wear uniforms and utilize communal facilities for bathing and hygiene.
• Prisoners are deprived of time with no clocks and constant lighting in cells.
• Daily routines include collective meals, exercise, and medical care.
• Sentences can range from 20 years to over 1,000 years.

Isolation Cells

• Used for punishment; prisoners spend time locked in dark, claustrophobic spaces.
• Only light comes from a hole in the ceiling, food passed through a hatch.
• Conditions are severe, contributing to psychological distress.

Food and Nutrition

• Meals consist of rice, beans, cream, and tortillas; no meat provided.
• Meals weigh one pound and are the same for all inmates, regardless of rank.

Prisoner Interactions

• Interviews with inmates reveal a history of violent crimes, often committed in youth.
• Inmates express regret and caution against joining gangs and organized crime.

Security Personnel

• Guards wear face coverings for personal safety.
• They ensure inmate compliance and oversee the prison environment.

Conclusion

• The experience is profoundly impactful, highlighting the harsh realities of prison life for violent offenders.
• The documentation reveals a sense of empowerment for citizens witnessing the control measures in place against crime.