The menacing visages of Central America’s most perilous gang were displayed in court through video feeds from within a state-of-the-art maximum-security prison.
Close to 500 purported members of the infamous Mara Salvatrucha gang, also known as MS-13, made virtual appearances for a groundbreaking mass trial.
Officials in El Salvador allege that the gang has been involved in a staggering 47,000 crimes, including 29,000 murders committed between 2012 and 2022.
The defendants, participating from the highly secure Counter-Terrorism Confinement Center, face accusations of attempting to establish a “parallel state,” as stated by the Attorney General’s Office.
Witnessing a remote court session via video link were alleged members of the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13).
The MS-13 members, including their leaders, totaling around 490 individuals, are collectively standing trial.
The accused observed the proceedings via video link from the Counter-Terrorism Confinement Center in Tecoluca, El Salvador.