A former U.S. President Donald Trump rejected concerns about allegations of human rights violations in the massive prison located in El Salvador, declaring, “I don’t see it,” in an interview with. His remarks have caused anger from human rights groups and critics who argue that the conditions in the prison have raised serious concerns over the abuse, overcrowding and inhumane treatment of prisoners.
The Centro de Confinamiento del Terror (CET), often referred to by the name of El Salvador’s largest prison was opened in the spring of this year as one of the countries’ anti-gang police crackdown under the presidency of Nayib Bukele. The prison, which was designed to accommodate the 40,000 prisoners and a total of 40,000 inmates, has been extensively criticised for its harsh conditions that include extreme in-patient overcrowding, lack of sanitation and accounts about the torture of prisoners.
In his interview Trump was a man who previously been a fan of Bukele for his tough approach to criminality, was unaffected by the criticisms. Instead, he seemed to be focusing on the role that prisons play in combating gang violence throughout the nation.
“I’ve seen all the talking about, but I do not think I can see it. The prisoners are criminals. If they’re punished harshly this is what happens when you violate laws,” Trump said, saying that anti-gang policies were essential to ensure the law throughout El Salvador.
Human rights organizations however, have noted that prisoners at CET have complained of that they are subjected in CET to physical abuse or torture, as well as the denial of medical treatment. There are two human rights organizations that have condemned CET. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have expressed concern about the conditions and have called for international monitoring and reforms to safeguard prisoners’ rights.
“It’s extremely disappointing to hear such a statement from a former world leader,” said Ana Maria Rodriguez who is a representative of Human Rights Watch. “Human rights are universal, and no amount of criminal activity justifies these kinds of violations.”
Although Trump’s remarks reflect his continued admiration for Bukele’s strict policies However, critics warn that approving these practices could set an unwise precedent for human rights standards in the region.