Lawmakers in&nbsp;Panama's National Assembly on Thursday approved a bill to regulate the use and commercialisation of crypto assets in the Central American country renowned as a hub of offshore financial services.

The bill opens the door to private and public use of crypto assets, and will make it possible for people to pay their taxes with cryptocurrencies. Experts warned it could heighten&nbsp;Panama's reputation as a place lacking financial transparency.

The legislation is broader in scope than measures passed by El Salvador, which last year made bitcoin legal tender, said independent lawmaker and promoter of the bill Gabriel Silva.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/panama-says-three-ships-hit-by-russian-missiles-in-black-sea-since-start-of-ukraine-invasion-463051">Panama says three ships hit by Russian missiles in Black Sea since start of Ukraine invasion</a>

"We're seeing the emergence of many different types of crypto assets like works of art," he said. "That's why we didn't want to limit ourselves only to cryptocurrencies."

The bill covers the trading and use of crypto assets, issuance of digital securities, new payment systems and the tokenization of precious metals. Tokenization is when rights to an asset are converted into digital formats.

Under the new legislation,&nbsp;Panamanians may use crypto assets as means of payment for any civil or commercial operation not prohibited by law in the country.

Watch |&nbsp;Panama: Lawmakers approve bill to regulate cryptos

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Panama&nbsp;is on the European Union's list of tax havens, and Romain Dromard, chief executive officer at financial investment advisory firm K&amp;B Family Office, said the crypto bill would not help it appear more transparent.

"Panama&nbsp;was already in a bad position and these payment methods skip the due diligence processes that international organizations are asking&nbsp;Panama&nbsp;to embrace," he said.

The bill, which now passes to President Laurentino Cortizo to be signed, was approved in the assembly with 38 votes in favor, two abstentions and no votes against.

Belisario Castillo Saenz, chief executive officer of tokenisation firm Feänor Corp, argued that crypto assets could help the unbanked, given that internet penetration is high in&nbsp;Panama&nbsp;but only one in four people have bank accounts.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/february-23-in-history-first-mass-polio-vaccine-panama-canal-zone-and-more-365610">February 23 in history: First mass polio vaccine, Panama Canal Zone, and more</a>

The bill could also make banks that have created barriers to using cryptocurrencies more cooperative, said Jose Fabrega of CryptoSPA, a hub for crypto and blockchain services.

Still, K&amp;B's Dromard said the role banks will play under the new rules is unclear and forecast that it will take years for traditional institutions to use the assets.

In addition, small and medium businesses would not be able to switch to such highly volatile assets, he argued.

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Lawmakers in Panama's National Assembly on Thursday approved a bill to regulate the use and commercialisation of crypto assets in the Central American country renowned as a hub of offshore financial services.

Lawmakers in Panama's National Assembly on Thursday approved a bill to regulate the use and commercialisation of crypto assets in the Central American country renowned as a hub of offshore financial services. The bill opens the door to private and public use of crypto assets, and will make it possible for people to pay their taxes with cryptocurrencies. Experts warned it could heighten Panama's reputation as a place lacking financial transparency. The legislation is broader in scope than measures passed by El Salvador, which last year made bitcoin legal tender, said independent lawmaker and promoter of the bill Gabriel Silva. Also read | Panama says three ships hit by Russian missiles in Black Sea since start of Ukraine invasion "We're seeing the emergence of many different types of crypto assets like works of art," he said. "That's why we didn't want to limit ourselves only to cryptocurrencies." The bill covers the trading and use of crypto assets, issuance of digital securities, new payment systems and the tokenization of precious metals. Tokenization is when rights to an asset are converted into digital formats. Under the new legislation, Panamanians may use crypto assets as means of payment for any civil or commercial operation not prohibited by law in the country. Watch | Panama: Lawmakers approve bill to regulate cryptos Panama is on the European Union's list of tax havens, and Romain Dromard, chief executive officer at financial investment advisory firm K&B Family Office, said the crypto bill would not help it appear more transparent. "Panama was already in a bad position and these payment methods skip the due diligence processes that international organizations are asking Panama to embrace," he said. The bill, which now passes to President Laurentino Cortizo to be signed, was approved in the assembly with 38 votes in favor, two abstentions and no votes against. Belisario Castillo Saenz, chief executive officer of tokenisation firm Feänor Corp, argued that crypto assets could help the unbanked, given that internet penetration is high in Panama but only one in four people have bank accounts. Also read | February 23 in history: First mass polio vaccine, Panama Canal Zone, and more The bill could also make banks that have created barriers to using cryptocurrencies more cooperative, said Jose Fabrega of CryptoSPA, a hub for crypto and blockchain services. Still, K&B's Dromard said the role banks will play under the new rules is unclear and forecast that it will take years for traditional institutions to use the assets. In addition, small and medium businesses would not be able to switch to such highly volatile assets, he argued. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Panama passes bill to regulate the use and commercialisation of crypto assets

The Central African Republic has become the world's second country to embrace bitcoin as legal cash, confirming reports that had been circulating for a few days.

The National Assembly passed and President Faustin Archange Touadera signed a bill authored by the minister of digital economy, Gourna Zacko, and the minister of finance and budget, Calixte Nganongo, according to a statement from his office.

The law provided a legal and regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies, as well as making Bitcoin (BTC) legal tender alongside the CFA franc.

"There’s a common narrative that sub-Saharan African countries are often one step behind when it comes to adapting to new technology," Finance Minister Herve Ndoba said last week, as quoted in Bloomberg.&nbsp;

"This time, we can actually say that our country is one step ahead."

The Central African Republic has a population of 4.83 million people, with roughly 11% having an internet connection.&nbsp;

El Salvador was the first country to recognise Bitcoin as legal cash less than a year ago.

Citizens of the Central American country were allowed to use the digital currency to pay for any good or service using a cyber wallet app, alongside the US dollar, which has been the official currency for the past two decades.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) slammed the introduction.

It warned of "significant dangers connected with bitcoin's use in financial stability, financial integrity, and consumer protection," as well as the risks of issuing bitcoin-backed bonds.

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(With inputs from agencies)

The Central African Republic has become the world's second country to embrace bitcoin as legal cash, confirming reports that had been circulating for a few days.

The Central African Republic has become the world's second country to embrace bitcoin as legal cash, confirming reports that had been circulating for a few days. The National Assembly passed and President Faustin Archange Touadera signed a bill authored by the minister of digital economy, Gourna Zacko, and the minister of finance and budget, Calixte Nganongo, according to a statement from his office. The law provided a legal and regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies, as well as making Bitcoin (BTC) legal tender alongside the CFA franc. "There’s a common narrative that sub-Saharan African countries are often one step behind when it comes to adapting to new technology," Finance Minister Herve Ndoba said last week, as quoted in Bloomberg. "This time, we can actually say that our country is one step ahead." The Central African Republic has a population of 4.83 million people, with roughly 11% having an internet connection. El Salvador was the first country to recognise Bitcoin as legal cash less than a year ago. Citizens of the Central American country were allowed to use the digital currency to pay for any good or service using a cyber wallet app, alongside the US dollar, which has been the official currency for the past two decades. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) slammed the introduction. It warned of "significant dangers connected with bitcoin's use in financial stability, financial integrity, and consumer protection," as well as the risks of issuing bitcoin-backed bonds. WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies)

Central African Republic adopts bitcoin as legal currency

People in a city in El Salvador dressed as devil. The Salvadorans were celebrating a traditional ceremony. Salvadorans celebrated the Easter season dressed as devils. The celebrations were put on halt last year due to Covid-19.

Salvadorans celebrate Easter dressed as 'devils', whip people in streets

An emergency has been imposed in the small central American nation of El Salvador after the country recorded over 60 killings in the last 48 hours. El Salvador has been split by multiple street gangs and reported a series of violent incidents from different regions of the country.

60 killings in last 48 hours, El Salvador imposes state of emergency amid increased deaths

El&nbsp;Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele has urged lawmakers to declare a state of emergency after authorities arrested top gang leaders over a wave of bloodshed that has left dozens dead in just two days.

Gang violence has soared in&nbsp;El&nbsp;Salvador, with police reporting that 62 people were killed on Saturday alone.

"We will not back down in this war against gangs, we will not rest until the criminals responsible for these acts are captured and brought to justice," the country's National Civil Police posted on Twitter.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/el-salvador-orders-arrest-of-former-president-over-killing-of-six-jesuits-in-civil-war-461506">&nbsp;El Salvador orders arrest of former president over killing of six Jesuits in civil war</a>

According to the official figures, 12 of the killings took place in the central department of La Libertad, with the capital San&nbsp;Salvador&nbsp;and the western department of Ahuachapan recording nine each. The rest were distributed across the country's remaining departments.

Hours earlier, police and the military arrested several leaders of the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang over the spate of killings.&nbsp;

In response to the surge in violence, Bukele asked the legislature -- controlled by his ruling party -- to meet to declare a state of emergency, under which certain freedoms are curtailed.

The Salvadoran constitution says that a state of emergency can be put into place "in cases of war, invasion of territory, rebellion, sedition, catastrophe, epidemic or other general calamity, or serious disturbances of public order."

In its plenary session Sunday morning, lawmakers will also pay tribute to those killed by gangs.

Bukele urgently gathered top security officials, along with the attorney general, to address the issue, the National Civil Police reported Saturday afternoon.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/el-salvadors-bukele-tells-bitcoin-wary-us-senators-to-stay-out-of-internal-affairs-453960">Bukele warns bitcoin-wary 'boomer' US senators to stay out of El Salvador's internal affairs</a>

'Let the agents do their job'&nbsp;

"Since yesterday, we have had a new spike in homicides, something that we had worked so hard to reduce," Bukele said in a statement posted on Twitter by Congress president Ernesto Castro.

"While we fight criminals in the streets, we must try to figure out what is happening and who is financing this."

Bukele said the country "must let the agents and soldiers do their job and must defend them from the accusations of those who protect the gang members."

He also asked the prosecutor's office "to be effective with all" gang member cases it processes, warning he would keep an eye on "judges who favor criminals."

Top government human rights lawyer Ricardo Martinez asked the population to "remain calm" and contribute to the promotion of "a culture of peace" in the country.

Last November,&nbsp;El&nbsp;Salvador&nbsp;suffered another spike in homicides that claimed the lives of some 45 people in three days.

The Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio-18 gangs, among others, have about 70,000 members in&nbsp;El&nbsp;Salvador, according to authorities, and their operations involve homicides, extortion and drug trafficking.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-women-convicted-of-abortion-finally-freed-in-el-salvador-440011">Three women convicted of abortion finally freed in El Salvador</a>

The country registered 1,140 murders in 2021 -- an average of 18 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants -- less than the 1,341 registered the previous year and the lowest figure since the end of the civil war in 1992, according to official data.&nbsp;

Elected in 2019, Bukele enjoys broad support in&nbsp;El&nbsp;Salvador&nbsp;over his promises to fight organized crime and improve security in the violence-wracked country.&nbsp;&nbsp;

His allies also hold a large majority in the country's Congress -- a situation not seen since a peace deal in 1992 put an end to 12 years of bloody civil war.&nbsp;

But he has also long been accused of authoritarian tendencies.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;El Salvador's president Nayib Bukele Plans World's First Bitcoin City

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/el-salvadors-president-nayib-bukele-plans-worlds-first-bitcoin-city-431120/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele has urged lawmakers to declare a state of emergency after authorities arrested top gang leaders over a wave of bloodshed that has left dozens dead in just two days.

El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele has urged lawmakers to declare a state of emergency after authorities arrested top gang leaders over a wave of bloodshed that has left dozens dead in just two days. Gang violence has soared in El Salvador, with police reporting that 62 people were killed on Saturday alone. "We will not back down in this war against gangs, we will not rest until the criminals responsible for these acts are captured and brought to justice," the country's National Civil Police posted on Twitter. Also read | El Salvador orders arrest of former president over killing of six Jesuits in civil war According to the official figures, 12 of the killings took place in the central department of La Libertad, with the capital San Salvador and the western department of Ahuachapan recording nine each. The rest were distributed across the country's remaining departments. Hours earlier, police and the military arrested several leaders of the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang over the spate of killings. In response to the surge in violence, Bukele asked the legislature -- controlled by his ruling party -- to meet to declare a state of emergency, under which certain freedoms are curtailed. The Salvadoran constitution says that a state of emergency can be put into place "in cases of war, invasion of territory, rebellion, sedition, catastrophe, epidemic or other general calamity, or serious disturbances of public order." In its plenary session Sunday morning, lawmakers will also pay tribute to those killed by gangs. Bukele urgently gathered top security officials, along with the attorney general, to address the issue, the National Civil Police reported Saturday afternoon. Also read | Bukele warns bitcoin-wary 'boomer' US senators to stay out of El Salvador's internal affairs 'Let the agents do their job' "Since yesterday, we have had a new spike in homicides, something that we had worked so hard to reduce," Bukele said in a statement posted on Twitter by Congress president Ernesto Castro. "While we fight criminals in the streets, we must try to figure out what is happening and who is financing this." Bukele said the country "must let the agents and soldiers do their job and must defend them from the accusations of those who protect the gang members." He also asked the prosecutor's office "to be effective with all" gang member cases it processes, warning he would keep an eye on "judges who favor criminals." Top government human rights lawyer Ricardo Martinez asked the population to "remain calm" and contribute to the promotion of "a culture of peace" in the country. Last November, El Salvador suffered another spike in homicides that claimed the lives of some 45 people in three days. The Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio-18 gangs, among others, have about 70,000 members in El Salvador, according to authorities, and their operations involve homicides, extortion and drug trafficking. Also read | Three women convicted of abortion finally freed in El Salvador The country registered 1,140 murders in 2021 -- an average of 18 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants -- less than the 1,341 registered the previous year and the lowest figure since the end of the civil war in 1992, according to official data. Elected in 2019, Bukele enjoys broad support in El Salvador over his promises to fight organized crime and improve security in the violence-wracked country. His allies also hold a large majority in the country's Congress -- a situation not seen since a peace deal in 1992 put an end to 12 years of bloody civil war. But he has also long been accused of authoritarian tendencies. Watch | El Salvador's president Nayib Bukele Plans World's First Bitcoin City

El Salvador's Bukele seeks emergency powers over spike in gang killings

A judge in&nbsp;El&nbsp;Salvador&nbsp;ordered the&nbsp;arrest&nbsp;Friday of&nbsp;former&nbsp;president&nbsp;Alfredo Cristiani for alleged links to the murder of&nbsp;six&nbsp;Jesuit priests and two co-workers by the army during the country's the&nbsp;civil&nbsp;war, prosecutors said.

On November 16 1989, Salvadoran troops from the now banned Atlacatl battalion shot dead the&nbsp;Jesuits, five of them Spanish, at the Central American University in San&nbsp;Salvador. They also killed a woman who worked as their housekeeper and her 16-year-old daughter.

On February 25, prosecutors filed charges against Cristiani, who was&nbsp;president&nbsp;in 1989-1994, and a group of soldiers for alleged involvement in the murder.&nbsp;

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Prosecutors said on Twitter Friday that a judge has ordered Cristiani, who is outside the country,&nbsp;former&nbsp;lawmaker Rodolfo Parker and four colonels to be put "under provisional detention."&nbsp;

The&nbsp;former&nbsp;president, whose whereabouts are unknown, denied the charges and attacked Attorney General Rodolfo Delgado in a statement.&nbsp;

"The attorney general, in bad faith and with a clear disregard for the truth, has publicly accused me of omission and cover-up," said Cristiani, who, in his capacity as&nbsp;president, was also commander-in-chief at the time of the&nbsp;killing. "The truth is that I never knew of the plans they had to commit those murders."&nbsp;

He said that the military "never informed me or asked me for authorization because they knew that I would never have authorized Father Ellacuria or his brothers to be harmed."&nbsp;

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Cristiani also asserted that "at this time there are no procedural guarantees in&nbsp;El&nbsp;Salvador" because most prosecutors and judges are controlled by the&nbsp;president.&nbsp;

Of the four colonels who were ordered arrested on Friday, one is already serving a 30-year prison sentence in Spain for the crime.&nbsp;

The authorities also ordered that three generals and two other colonels charged in the case be given alternative measures to detention because of their age and health condition.

Another general and a colonel accused in the case have already died.&nbsp;

Ten Salvadoran soldiers were convicted of the killings in 1991, but an amnesty for crimes committed during the country's 1980-1992&nbsp;civil&nbsp;war&nbsp;meant they were freed in 1993.

A judge in El Salvador ordered the arrest Friday of former president Alfredo Cristiani for alleged links to the murder of six Jesuit priests and two co-workers by the army during the country's the civil war, prosecutors said.

A judge in El Salvador ordered the arrest Friday of former president Alfredo Cristiani for alleged links to the murder of six Jesuit priests and two co-workers by the army during the country's the civil war, prosecutors said. On November 16 1989, Salvadoran troops from the now banned Atlacatl battalion shot dead the Jesuits, five of them Spanish, at the Central American University in San Salvador. They also killed a woman who worked as their housekeeper and her 16-year-old daughter. On February 25, prosecutors filed charges against Cristiani, who was president in 1989-1994, and a group of soldiers for alleged involvement in the murder. Also read | Australian police officer acquitted in death of indigenous teenager Prosecutors said on Twitter Friday that a judge has ordered Cristiani, who is outside the country, former lawmaker Rodolfo Parker and four colonels to be put "under provisional detention." The former president, whose whereabouts are unknown, denied the charges and attacked Attorney General Rodolfo Delgado in a statement. "The attorney general, in bad faith and with a clear disregard for the truth, has publicly accused me of omission and cover-up," said Cristiani, who, in his capacity as president, was also commander-in-chief at the time of the killing. "The truth is that I never knew of the plans they had to commit those murders." He said that the military "never informed me or asked me for authorization because they knew that I would never have authorized Father Ellacuria or his brothers to be harmed." Also read | Leaders of Sarah Everard vigil had rights violated by police, court rules Cristiani also asserted that "at this time there are no procedural guarantees in El Salvador" because most prosecutors and judges are controlled by the president. Of the four colonels who were ordered arrested on Friday, one is already serving a 30-year prison sentence in Spain for the crime. The authorities also ordered that three generals and two other colonels charged in the case be given alternative measures to detention because of their age and health condition. Another general and a colonel accused in the case have already died. Ten Salvadoran soldiers were convicted of the killings in 1991, but an amnesty for crimes committed during the country's 1980-1992 civil war meant they were freed in 1993.

El Salvador orders arrest of former president over killing of six Jesuits in civil war

President Nayib Bukele on Wednesday asked&nbsp;US&nbsp;senators&nbsp;to&nbsp;stay&nbsp;out&nbsp;of&nbsp;El&nbsp;Salvador's&nbsp;"internal&nbsp;affairs" after they called for an investigation into the economic risks the United States faces due to the Central American country's adoption of&nbsp;bitcoin&nbsp;as legal tender.

Senators&nbsp;Jim Risch, Bill Cassidy and Bob Mendez asked the State Department to submit a report on the implementation of&nbsp;bitcoin&nbsp;in&nbsp;El&nbsp;Salvador with the purpose of assessing the risks it poses to the&nbsp;US&nbsp;economy.

"Ok boomers… You have 0 jurisdiction on a sovereign and independent nation," Bukele, 40, said in a tweet, referring to the older generation of "baby boomers".

"We are not your colony, your back yard or your front yard.&nbsp;Stay&nbsp;out&nbsp;of our&nbsp;internal&nbsp;affairs. Don’t try to control something you can’t control."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-women-convicted-of-abortion-finally-freed-in-el-salvador-440011">Three women convicted of abortion finally freed in El Salvador</a>

El&nbsp;Salvador was the first country in the world to adopt cryptocurrency for official use, in parallel&nbsp;to the&nbsp;US&nbsp;dollar, a decision that has drawn it harsh criticism from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The&nbsp;US&nbsp;senators&nbsp;also expressed fear over the fact that adopting&nbsp;bitcoin&nbsp;could weaken the&nbsp;US&nbsp;government's sanctions policy and increase the activity of criminal organizations.

"This new policy has the potential to weaken&nbsp;US&nbsp;sanctions policy, empowering malign actors like China and organized criminal organizations. Our bipartisan legislation seeks greater clarity on&nbsp;El&nbsp;Salvador’s policy," said the&nbsp;senators&nbsp;in a statement.

Watch |&nbsp;El Salvador's president Nayib Bukele Plans World's First Bitcoin City

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The Salvadoran government, which has acquired some 1,801&nbsp;bitcoins since September, has been questioned by economists and the opposition for its refusal to be accountable in the process of buying and managing the funds.

Diplomatic relations between&nbsp;El&nbsp;Salvador and the United States have deteriorated after the White House denounced publicly cases of corruption in Bukele's government and an escalation of measures to accumulate power.

President Nayib Bukele on Wednesday asked US senators to stay out of El Salvador's "internal affairs" after they called for an investigation into the economic risks the United States faces due to the Central American country's adoption of bitcoin as legal tender.

President Nayib Bukele on Wednesday asked US senators to stay out of El Salvador's "internal affairs" after they called for an investigation into the economic risks the United States faces due to the Central American country's adoption of bitcoin as legal tender. Senators Jim Risch, Bill Cassidy and Bob Mendez asked the State Department to submit a report on the implementation of bitcoin in El Salvador with the purpose of assessing the risks it poses to the US economy. "Ok boomers… You have 0 jurisdiction on a sovereign and independent nation," Bukele, 40, said in a tweet, referring to the older generation of "baby boomers". "We are not your colony, your back yard or your front yard. Stay out of our internal affairs. Don’t try to control something you can’t control." Also read | Three women convicted of abortion finally freed in El Salvador El Salvador was the first country in the world to adopt cryptocurrency for official use, in parallel to the US dollar, a decision that has drawn it harsh criticism from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The US senators also expressed fear over the fact that adopting bitcoin could weaken the US government's sanctions policy and increase the activity of criminal organizations. "This new policy has the potential to weaken US sanctions policy, empowering malign actors like China and organized criminal organizations. Our bipartisan legislation seeks greater clarity on El Salvador’s policy," said the senators in a statement. Watch | El Salvador's president Nayib Bukele Plans World's First Bitcoin City The Salvadoran government, which has acquired some 1,801 bitcoins since September, has been questioned by economists and the opposition for its refusal to be accountable in the process of buying and managing the funds. Diplomatic relations between El Salvador and the United States have deteriorated after the White House denounced publicly cases of corruption in Bukele's government and an escalation of measures to accumulate power.

Bukele warns bitcoin-wary 'boomer' US senators to stay out of El Salvador's internal affairs

Three women from El Salvador who were sentenced to 30 years in prison have now been freed. The women were sentenced under the nation’s strict anti-abortion laws. This comes a few days after Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, in a statement said that he spent part of his two-day trip meeting with women imprisoned for the crime of "aggravated homicide."&nbsp;

Also, celebrities including actors América Ferrera, Milla Jovovich and Kathryn Hahn asked President Nayib Bukele’s government to let the women return home for Christmas.

Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein said, "I am appalled that as a result of El Salvador's absolute prohibition on abortion, women are being punished for apparent miscarriages and other obstetric emergencies, accused and convicted of having induced termination of pregnancy."

With this, he called on the authorities to review all cases of women detained for abortion.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-calls-on-el-salvador-to-stop-jailing-women-for-abortion-24499">Also read |&nbsp;UN calls on El Salvador to stop jailing women for abortion</a>

Morena Herrera of the Citizen’s group for the depenalisation of abortion said that the group was initially told that one woman would be freed at presidential order. However, when they went to prison, a total of three women were released.

In a report by the Associated Press, Herrera said, "We presented ourselves at the prison in Zacatecoluca and Karen, Kathy and Evelyn left. They are free and in their homes."

El Salvador has one of the world's strictest bans on abortion. It does not permit exceptions. Even for rape or if the mother's life is at risk, there is no right to abortion. Also, the prison sentences can stretch up to 40 years.

In recent years, some rulings have been reversed, with several women released from jail after serving parts of their long sentences.

Still, women are often prosecuted for stillbirths and abortions induced because of medical emergencies.

(With inputs from agencies)

Three women from El Salvador who were sentenced to 30 years in prison have now been freed. The women were sentenced under the nation’s strict anti-abortion laws.

Three women from El Salvador who were sentenced to 30 years in prison have now been freed. The women were sentenced under the nation’s strict anti-abortion laws. This comes a few days after Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, in a statement said that he spent part of his two-day trip meeting with women imprisoned for the crime of "aggravated homicide." Also, celebrities including actors América Ferrera, Milla Jovovich and Kathryn Hahn asked President Nayib Bukele’s government to let the women return home for Christmas. Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein said, "I am appalled that as a result of El Salvador's absolute prohibition on abortion, women are being punished for apparent miscarriages and other obstetric emergencies, accused and convicted of having induced termination of pregnancy." With this, he called on the authorities to review all cases of women detained for abortion. Also read | UN calls on El Salvador to stop jailing women for abortion Morena Herrera of the Citizen’s group for the depenalisation of abortion said that the group was initially told that one woman would be freed at presidential order. However, when they went to prison, a total of three women were released. In a report by the Associated Press, Herrera said, "We presented ourselves at the prison in Zacatecoluca and Karen, Kathy and Evelyn left. They are free and in their homes." El Salvador has one of the world's strictest bans on abortion. It does not permit exceptions. Even for rape or if the mother's life is at risk, there is no right to abortion. Also, the prison sentences can stretch up to 40 years. In recent years, some rulings have been reversed, with several women released from jail after serving parts of their long sentences. Still, women are often prosecuted for stillbirths and abortions induced because of medical emergencies. (With inputs from agencies)

Three women convicted of abortion finally freed in El Salvador

In a first, El Salvador is planning to build the world's first "Bitcoin City." Initially, it will be funded by bitcoin-backed bonds, President Nayib Bukele said. While speaking at an event Bukele said that the city is planned in the eastern region of La Union and it would get geothermal power from a volcano and not levy any taxes except for value-added tax (VAT).&nbsp;

Half of the VAT levied would be used to fund the bonds issued to build the city. Also, the other half would pay for services such as garbage collection.&nbsp;

"Invest here and make all the money you want," Bukele said. He added, "This is a fully ecological city that works and is energised by a volcano."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-satoshi-nakamoto-real-identity-of-bitcoin-creator-could-be-unveiled-at-florida-trial-says-report-429745">Also read |&nbsp;Who is Satoshi Nakamoto? Real identity of bitcoin creator could be unveiled at Florida trial, says report</a>

Samson Mow, chief strategy officer of blockchain technology provider Blockstream, told the gathering the first 10-year issue, which is known as the "volcano bond."&nbsp;

He said that it would be worth $1 billion, backed by bitcoin and carrying a coupon of 6.5 per cent.&nbsp;

After a five year lock-up, El Salvador would start selling some of the bitcoin used to fund the bond. This will be done to give investors an "additional coupon."

"This is going to make El Salvador the financial center of the world," he said.

Meanwhile, a recent report published in the Wall Street Journal says that the real identity of the creator of bitcoin can be unveiled in an ongoing trial in Florida. The lawsuit filed by late David Kleiman's family claims him to be Satoshi Nakamoto, the name used by the presumed pseudonymous person who developed bitcoin.

Despite experiencing a downfall of over 4 per cent, Bitcoin still remains the world's biggest and best-known cryptocurrency.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a first, El Salvador is planning to build the world's first "Bitcoin City." Initially, it will be funded by bitcoin-backed bonds, President Nayib Bukele said.

In a first, El Salvador is planning to build the world's first "Bitcoin City." Initially, it will be funded by bitcoin-backed bonds, President Nayib Bukele said. While speaking at an event Bukele said that the city is planned in the eastern region of La Union and it would get geothermal power from a volcano and not levy any taxes except for value-added tax (VAT). Half of the VAT levied would be used to fund the bonds issued to build the city. Also, the other half would pay for services such as garbage collection. "Invest here and make all the money you want," Bukele said. He added, "This is a fully ecological city that works and is energised by a volcano." Also read | Who is Satoshi Nakamoto? Real identity of bitcoin creator could be unveiled at Florida trial, says report Samson Mow, chief strategy officer of blockchain technology provider Blockstream, told the gathering the first 10-year issue, which is known as the "volcano bond." He said that it would be worth $1 billion, backed by bitcoin and carrying a coupon of 6.5 per cent. After a five year lock-up, El Salvador would start selling some of the bitcoin used to fund the bond. This will be done to give investors an "additional coupon." "This is going to make El Salvador the financial center of the world," he said. Meanwhile, a recent report published in the Wall Street Journal says that the real identity of the creator of bitcoin can be unveiled in an ongoing trial in Florida. The lawsuit filed by late David Kleiman's family claims him to be Satoshi Nakamoto, the name used by the presumed pseudonymous person who developed bitcoin. Despite experiencing a downfall of over 4 per cent, Bitcoin still remains the world's biggest and best-known cryptocurrency. (With inputs from agencies)

'Fully ecological city': In a first, El Salvador plans a 'Bitcoin city'

Nayib Bukele, El Salvador president has said that he plans to build the world's first Bitcoin city, the construction will be initially funded by bitcoin-backed bonds.

El Salvador's president Nayib Bukele Plans World's First Bitcoin City

Generally, even an autocratic, dictatorial leader has to sugar-coat his words. Days of unabashed power-wielding are gone. Even an individual possessing maximum power in a country tries to contextualise the situation in unending jargon.

Not Nayib Bukele.&nbsp;

He is President of El Salvador who faces criticism that he harbours dictatorial ambitions

On Twitter however, Bukele has changed his bio from "Layla's dad" to "Dictator of El Salvador."

The presidency confirmed to AFP that Bukele had changed the wording himself.

<img alt="Dictator" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f3e639db-5067-44ea-b7f8-9b9eead0f9b6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Dictator.JPG" />

The change in Twitter bio is facing partcular flak as it came after The move came after thousands of Salvadorans marched last Wednesday against legal reforms they said threaten democracy.

After Bukele's allies obtained an absolute majority in February elections, the new-look parliament dismissed all judges of the Supreme Court's constitutional chamber and the attorney general -- both institutions with which he had clashed with since coming to power in 2019.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unvaccinated-bolsonaro-forced-to-eat-on-sidewalk-as-new-york-eateries-deny-entry-414618">Unvaccinated Bolsonaro forced to eat on sidewalk as New York eateries deny entry</a>

The new Bukele-aligned court this month gave the green light for him to run for re-election in 2024 despite a constitutional one-term limit.

On Monday, the USA placed the five judges of the chamber on a list of corrupt officials and banned them from entering the United States.

By adopting the term "dictator" in jest, Laura Andrade, director of the Public Opinion Institute of the Central American University told AFP, he was seeking to "normalize" the term and cast aspersions on those who use it against him.

Bukele is popular in some quarters for his stated desire to fight organized crime.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-netizens-slam-condom-brand-for-insensitive-ad-that-uses-reference-from-sex-education-414614">Netizens slam condom brand for 'insensitive' ad that uses reference from 'Sex Education'</a>

But critics have warned about authoritarian risks.

In February last year, in a bid to intimidate MPs into approving a loan to finance an anti-crime plan, the president ordered heavily-armed police and soldiers to storm parliament.

That led lawmakers to call for a congressional committee to declare Bukele "mentally incapable" of governing -- a move he denounced as an "attempted parliamentary coup."

(With inputs from agencies)

Generally, even an autocratic, dictatorial leader has to sugar-coat his words. Days of unabashed power-wielding are gone. Even an individual possessing maximum power in a country tries to contextualise the situation in unending jargon.

Generally, even an autocratic, dictatorial leader has to sugar-coat his words. Days of unabashed power-wielding are gone. Even an individual possessing maximum power in a country tries to contextualise the situation in unending jargon. Not Nayib Bukele. He is President of El Salvador who faces criticism that he harbours dictatorial ambitions On Twitter however, Bukele has changed his bio from "Layla's dad" to "Dictator of El Salvador." The presidency confirmed to AFP that Bukele had changed the wording himself. The change in Twitter bio is facing partcular flak as it came after The move came after thousands of Salvadorans marched last Wednesday against legal reforms they said threaten democracy. After Bukele's allies obtained an absolute majority in February elections, the new-look parliament dismissed all judges of the Supreme Court's constitutional chamber and the attorney general -- both institutions with which he had clashed with since coming to power in 2019. Also Read | Unvaccinated Bolsonaro forced to eat on sidewalk as New York eateries deny entry The new Bukele-aligned court this month gave the green light for him to run for re-election in 2024 despite a constitutional one-term limit. On Monday, the USA placed the five judges of the chamber on a list of corrupt officials and banned them from entering the United States. By adopting the term "dictator" in jest, Laura Andrade, director of the Public Opinion Institute of the Central American University told AFP, he was seeking to "normalize" the term and cast aspersions on those who use it against him. Bukele is popular in some quarters for his stated desire to fight organized crime. Also Read | Netizens slam condom brand for 'insensitive' ad that uses reference from 'Sex Education' But critics have warned about authoritarian risks. In February last year, in a bid to intimidate MPs into approving a loan to finance an anti-crime plan, the president ordered heavily-armed police and soldiers to storm parliament. That led lawmakers to call for a congressional committee to declare Bukele "mentally incapable" of governing -- a move he denounced as an "attempted parliamentary coup." (With inputs from agencies)

El Salvador president changes Twitter bio to 'dictator'

Salvadorian president has stepped in now to handle the fraught rollout of funds apps that underpin nations adoption of bitcoin as authorized tender and known as on customers to report any issues.

World Business Watch: El Salvador has adopted bitcoin as legal tender

El&nbsp;Salvador's President Nayib Bukele said in a national address on Thursday that a recently passed law making bitcoin&nbsp;legal&nbsp;tender&nbsp;will take effect on&nbsp;Sept. 7, noting that its use will be optional.

El&nbsp;Salvador's Congress already approved Bukele's proposal to embrace the cryptocurrency, making&nbsp;El&nbsp;Salvador&nbsp;the first country in the world to adopt&nbsp;bitcoin&nbsp;as&nbsp;legal&nbsp;tender.

"The use of&nbsp;bitcoin&nbsp;will be optional, nobody will receive&nbsp;bitcoin&nbsp;if they don't want it... If someone receives a payment in&nbsp;bitcoin&nbsp;they can choose to automatically receive it in dollars," said Bukele.

Salaries and pensions will continue to be paid in U.S. dollars, said Bukele, without specifying if that included salaries paid to state workers and private sector employees.

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Earlier in the day, Athena&nbsp;Bitcoin&nbsp;said it plans to invest over $1 million to install some 1,500 cryptocurrency ATMs in&nbsp;El&nbsp;Salvador, especially where residents receive remittances from abroad.

According to Athena&nbsp;Bitcoin's website, the ATMs can be used to buy&nbsp;bitcoins or sell them for cash.

"One of the reasons we passed the&nbsp;bitcoin&nbsp;law is precisely to help people who send remittances," said Bukele, adding the high costs of commissions traditionally associated with sending money home would be&nbsp;eliminated by using the cryptocurrency.

El&nbsp;Salvador&nbsp;relies heavily on money sent back from workers abroad. World Bank data showed remittances to the country made up nearly $6 billion or around a fifth of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2019, one of the highest ratios in the world.

Less than 1% of the volume of global cross-border remittances are currently in cryptocurrency, according to Kenneth Suchoski, U.S payments and fintech analyst at Autonomous Research. But in the future crypto is expected to account for a larger slice of the more than $500 billion in global annual remittances.

El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele said in a national address on Thursday that a recently passed law making bitcoin legal tender will take effect on Sept. 7, noting that its use will be optional.

El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele said in a national address on Thursday that a recently passed law making bitcoin legal tender will take effect on Sept. 7, noting that its use will be optional. El Salvador's Congress already approved Bukele's proposal to embrace the cryptocurrency, making El Salvador the first country in the world to adopt bitcoin as legal tender. "The use of bitcoin will be optional, nobody will receive bitcoin if they don't want it... If someone receives a payment in bitcoin they can choose to automatically receive it in dollars," said Bukele. Salaries and pensions will continue to be paid in U.S. dollars, said Bukele, without specifying if that included salaries paid to state workers and private sector employees. Also Read | COVID-19: Delta variant is infecting vaccinated people, says Israel Earlier in the day, Athena Bitcoin said it plans to invest over $1 million to install some 1,500 cryptocurrency ATMs in El Salvador, especially where residents receive remittances from abroad. According to Athena Bitcoin's website, the ATMs can be used to buy bitcoins or sell them for cash. "One of the reasons we passed the bitcoin law is precisely to help people who send remittances," said Bukele, adding the high costs of commissions traditionally associated with sending money home would be eliminated by using the cryptocurrency. El Salvador relies heavily on money sent back from workers abroad. World Bank data showed remittances to the country made up nearly $6 billion or around a fifth of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2019, one of the highest ratios in the world. Less than 1% of the volume of global cross-border remittances are currently in cryptocurrency, according to Kenneth Suchoski, U.S payments and fintech analyst at Autonomous Research. But in the future crypto is expected to account for a larger slice of the more than $500 billion in global annual remittances.

Bitcoin to become legal tender in El Salvador from September

The World Bank said on Wednesday it could not assist El Salvador's&nbsp;bitcoin&nbsp;implementation given environmental and transparency drawbacks.

"We are committed to helping El Salvador in numerous ways including for currency transparency and regulatory processes," said a World Bank spokesperson via email.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/el-salvador-legalises-bitcoin-as-other-nations-plan-similar-moves-390658">El Salvador legalises Bitcoin as other nations plan similar moves</a>

"While the government did approach us for assistance on&nbsp;bitcoin, this is not something the World Bank can support given the environmental and transparency shortcomings."

Earlier on Wednesday, Salvadoran Finance Minister Alejandro Zelaya said the Central American country had sought technical assistance from the Bank as it seeks to use&nbsp;bitcoin&nbsp;as a parallel legal tender alongside the US&nbsp;dollar.

El Salvador's government did not immediately respond to a request from Reuters regarding the World Bank's decision.

The minister also said ongoing negotiations with the International Monetary Fund had been successful, although the IMF said last week it saw "macroeconomic, financial and legal issues" with the country's adoption of&nbsp;bitcoin.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/el-salvador-becomes-the-first-country-to-adopt-bitcoin-as-legal-tender-after-passing-legislation-390314">El Salvador becomes the first country to adopt bitcoin as legal tender after passing legislation</a>

Zelaya said on Wednesday the IMF was "not against" the&nbsp;bitcoin&nbsp;implementation. The IMF did not respond to a request for comment.

Investors have recently demanded higher premiums to hold Salvadoran debt, on growing concerns over the completion of the IMF deal, the key to patching budget gaps through 2023.

On Wednesday, bonds sold off across the curve, with the 2032 issue down more than 2 cents at 96.25 cents on the dollar. The spread of Salvadoran debt to US&nbsp;Treasuries dipped to 705 basis points after hitting on Tuesday a four-month high of 725 bps.

"There is no fast track for a solution on an IMF program and even uncertainty on whether the&nbsp;bitcoin&nbsp;proposal is compatible with diplomatic US&nbsp;(or) multilateral relations," said Siobhan Morden, head of Latin America fixed-income strategy at Amherst Pierpont Securities in New York.

El Salvador this month became the first country to adopt&nbsp;bitcoin&nbsp;as legal tender, with President Nayib Bukele touting the cryptocurrency's potential as a remittance currency for Salvadorans overseas.

This month, Bukele also pulled out of an anti-corruption accord with the Organization of the American States, which dismayed the US&nbsp;government, as Washington looks to stem corruption in Central America as part of its immigration policy.

"The recognition of a 'Bukele' risk premium has probably done some permanent damage to investor sentiment," Morden said in her client note.

The market may be focusing too much on the news headlines, however, and not enough on the possibility of a deal with the IMF, said Shamaila Khan, head of EM debt strategies at AllianceBernstein in New York.

"It is important for El Salvador to get the IMF program done. If it was lost on them, they wouldn’t have the conversations," she said.

"Our view is too much risk is priced in at these levels."

The World Bank said on Wednesday it could not assist El Salvador's bitcoin implementation given environmental and transparency drawbacks. "We are committed to helping El Salvador in numerous ways including for currency transparency and regulatory processes," said a World Bank spokesperson via email.

The World Bank said on Wednesday it could not assist El Salvador's bitcoin implementation given environmental and transparency drawbacks. "We are committed to helping El Salvador in numerous ways including for currency transparency and regulatory processes," said a World Bank spokesperson via email. Also read | El Salvador legalises Bitcoin as other nations plan similar moves "While the government did approach us for assistance on bitcoin, this is not something the World Bank can support given the environmental and transparency shortcomings." Earlier on Wednesday, Salvadoran Finance Minister Alejandro Zelaya said the Central American country had sought technical assistance from the Bank as it seeks to use bitcoin as a parallel legal tender alongside the US dollar. El Salvador's government did not immediately respond to a request from Reuters regarding the World Bank's decision. The minister also said ongoing negotiations with the International Monetary Fund had been successful, although the IMF said last week it saw "macroeconomic, financial and legal issues" with the country's adoption of bitcoin. Also read | El Salvador becomes the first country to adopt bitcoin as legal tender after passing legislation Zelaya said on Wednesday the IMF was "not against" the bitcoin implementation. The IMF did not respond to a request for comment. Investors have recently demanded higher premiums to hold Salvadoran debt, on growing concerns over the completion of the IMF deal, the key to patching budget gaps through 2023. On Wednesday, bonds sold off across the curve, with the 2032 issue down more than 2 cents at 96.25 cents on the dollar. The spread of Salvadoran debt to US Treasuries dipped to 705 basis points after hitting on Tuesday a four-month high of 725 bps. "There is no fast track for a solution on an IMF program and even uncertainty on whether the bitcoin proposal is compatible with diplomatic US (or) multilateral relations," said Siobhan Morden, head of Latin America fixed-income strategy at Amherst Pierpont Securities in New York. El Salvador this month became the first country to adopt bitcoin as legal tender, with President Nayib Bukele touting the cryptocurrency's potential as a remittance currency for Salvadorans overseas. This month, Bukele also pulled out of an anti-corruption accord with the Organization of the American States, which dismayed the US government, as Washington looks to stem corruption in Central America as part of its immigration policy. "The recognition of a 'Bukele' risk premium has probably done some permanent damage to investor sentiment," Morden said in her client note. The market may be focusing too much on the news headlines, however, and not enough on the possibility of a deal with the IMF, said Shamaila Khan, head of EM debt strategies at AllianceBernstein in New York. "It is important for El Salvador to get the IMF program done. If it was lost on them, they wouldn’t have the conversations," she said. "Our view is too much risk is priced in at these levels."

World Bank rejects El Salvador request for help on bitcoin implementation

The United States will grant $115 million in cooperation aid to El Salvador to slow migration from the Central American country, Samantha Power, administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), said on Monday. 
 
"We can work with local partners in Central America to expand opportunities for youth and help them get away from violence," Power said at a conference on migration at the Central American University, where she announced the aid initiative. 
 
The money will include $50 million for security, $35 million for programmes to counter violence against women and $30 million in job training, Power said. 
 
USAID says it will also contribute $12 million for small and medium-sized businesses in Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador that were affected by coronavirus-related lockdowns. 
 
The Biden administration has pledged to invest $4 billion to address the root causes of migration from Central America. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The United States will grant $115 million in cooperation aid to El Salvador to slow migration from the Central American country, Samantha Power, administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), said on Monday.

The United States will grant $115 million in cooperation aid to El Salvador to slow migration from the Central American country, Samantha Power, administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), said on Monday. "We can work with local partners in Central America to expand opportunities for youth and help them get away from violence," Power said at a conference on migration at the Central American University, where she announced the aid initiative. The money will include $50 million for security, $35 million for programmes to counter violence against women and $30 million in job training, Power said. USAID says it will also contribute $12 million for small and medium-sized businesses in Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador that were affected by coronavirus-related lockdowns. The Biden administration has pledged to invest $4 billion to address the root causes of migration from Central America. (With inputs from agencies)

USAID to grant $115 million in aid to El Salvador to stem migration

On Wednesday,&nbsp;El Salvador's legislature passed a law that designates Bitcoin legal tender. This makes it possible to pay taxes with Bitcoin, and businesses will now be obligated to accept Bitcoin payments, and converting Bitcoin to other currencies will no longer be subjected to capital-gains tax. With this law that will take effect in 90 days, El Salvador becomes the first country in the world to consider Bitcoin a legal currency.

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The advantage of being first might make El Salvador a tidy gain when investors and entrepreneurs alike flock to the nation, taking advantage of the good climate, lack of property tax, no capital-gains tax for Bitcoin, and immediate permanent residence for crypto entrepreneurs.

<img alt="Cryptocurrency" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c6da70e5-6a28-4501-a2ef-2ebeeb1bf54e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/crypto%201_0.png" /> 
&nbsp;

After El Salvador's legislature has legalised Bitcoin and deemed it a currency, the road ahead looks bright for other developing countries in the region. It is not only the President of El Salvador who is positive towards crypto-currencies, but a lot of other leaders in Central and South American countries too.

Paraguay might be the second country to adopt Bitcoin, as the Deputy of the Nation Carlos Antonio Rejala Herman tweeted hints about adoption a few days back: “As I was saying, our country needs to advance hand-in-hand with the new generation. The moment has come, our moment. This week we start with an important project to innovate Paraguay in front of the world.”

Note the #BTC &amp; #PayPal in the tweet, could a collaboration be looming? Rejala also mentions 'to the moon' along with a picture of himself with laser eyes, a trend that caught on in the crypto currency community earlier this year.

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Como ya lo decía hace un buen tiempo, nuestro país necesita avanzar de la mano de la nueva generación. 
Llegó el momento, nuestro momento. 
Esta semana empezamos con un proyecto importante para innovar a Paraguay frente al mundo! 
 
El verdadero to the moon ?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/btc?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#btc</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/paypal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#paypal</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZMRJgAIxgO">pic.twitter.com/ZMRJgAIxgO</a>
— Carlitos Rejala ?￰ﾟﾇﾵ?￰ﾟﾙﾌ (@carlitosrejala) <a href="https://twitter.com/carlitosrejala/status/1401712725886132224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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A move toward Bitcoin adoption could be very good for the economy of Paraguay, as the electricity is really cheap in the country and they produce more than twice as much electricity than what's used domestically, and they export power to both Argentina and Brazil at good rates. The cheap electricity, and positive legal outlook has led to the construction of one of the world's largest mining centers in the country.

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The Golden Goose Mining Center has been built on a 200,000m² site near the Laipu hydro-power plant in Paraguay. Stable and cheap hydro-power coming from this mega-sized dam, along with political stability, low taxes, support of foreign-funded enterprises, low risk of armed conflict with neighboring countries and high speed internet has made Paraguay tick all the boxes that mining companies are looking for when setting up operations.

Panama

Gabriel Silva is pushing for support and tweets, “This is important. And Panama cannot be left behind. If we want to be a true technology and entrepreneurship hub, we have to support cryptocurrencies We will be preparing a proposal to present at the Assembly. If you are interested in building it, you can contact me”.

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Esto es importante. Y Panamá no se puede quedar atrás. Si queremos ser un verdadero hub de tecnología y emprendimiento tenemos que apoyar las criptomonedas 
 
Estaremos preparando una propuesta para presentar en la Asamblea. Si están interesados en construirla me pueden contactarte <a href="https://t.co/yiAzPpD9nj">https://t.co/yiAzPpD9nj</a>
— Gabriel Silva (@gabrielsilva8_7) <a href="https://twitter.com/gabrielsilva8_7/status/1401965129051389958?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Mexico&nbsp;

Senator Indira Kempis has also changed her twitter profile picture to one with laser eyes, along with many tweets supporting El Salvador's moves and the industry.

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<a href="https://t.co/h5iJ24TmNw">https://t.co/h5iJ24TmNw</a> <a href="https://t.co/pBKVLDp7E9">pic.twitter.com/pBKVLDp7E9</a>
— Indira Kempis de I. (@IndiraKempis) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiraKempis/status/1402129280830742531?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Eduardo Murat Hinojosa also sports the laser eyes, will propose a legal framework for cryptos in Mexico's lower house.

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Voy a promover y proponer ante la Cámara de Diputados un marco legal para las criptomonedas en México <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/btc?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#btc</a> 
 
I will be promoting and proposing a legal framework for crypto coins in Mexico's lower house <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/btc?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#btc</a> <a href="https://t.co/zwhYOZ7KAg">pic.twitter.com/zwhYOZ7KAg</a>
— Eduardo Murat Hinojosa (@eduardomurat) <a href="https://twitter.com/eduardomurat/status/1402257568580390923?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Colombia

Jehudi Castro Sierra, Digital Transformation Adviser, Office of the Presidency of Colombia, contributed to the World Economic Forum's Decentralized Finance Policy-Maker toolkit and is calling for Colombia to embrace the emerging technology.&nbsp;

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Very pleased to have contributed to the Decentralized Finance: (DeFi) Policy-Maker Toolkit from <a href="https://twitter.com/wef?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wef</a> 
and <a href="https://twitter.com/Wharton?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Wharton</a>. 
DeFi is a great opportunity and Colombia is ready to embrace it. <a href="https://t.co/iih2IaPWm3">https://t.co/iih2IaPWm3</a>
— Jehudi ?￰ﾟﾇﾴ (@JCastroS) <a href="https://twitter.com/JCastroS/status/1402311469774131205?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Brazil

Fábio Ostermann updated his profile picture with laser eyes and tagged #LaserEyesTill100k showing his support.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LaserEyes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LaserEyes</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LaserEyesTill100k?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LaserEyesTill100k</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NovaFotoDoPerfil?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NovaFotoDoPerfil</a> <a href="https://t.co/tbxThxh5Ps">pic.twitter.com/tbxThxh5Ps</a>
— Fábio Ostermann (@FabioOstermann) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabioOstermann/status/1401988499893587968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Argentina

Francisco Sanchez updated his profile photo of himself with the laser eyes, commenting “I can't believe it, but this is how it is”.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NuevaFotoDePerfil?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NuevaFotoDePerfil</a> <a href="https://t.co/zqftvmKRfB">pic.twitter.com/zqftvmKRfB</a>
— Francisco Sánchez ?￰ﾟﾇﾷ (@fsancheznqn) <a href="https://twitter.com/fsancheznqn/status/1402045792333012997?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Tonga

Tonga is another country positive towards Bitcoin, with Lord member of Parliament Lord Fusitua looking to invest in Bitcoin with the nation's $750m of reserves.

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Tonga ?￰ﾟﾇﾴ may be next nation to adopt <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bitcoin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bitcoin</a> 
 
Lord Member of Parliament <a href="https://twitter.com/LordFusitua?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LordFusitua</a> says he's already chatting with <a href="https://twitter.com/jackmallers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jackmallers</a> and is looking to buy <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bitcoin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#bitcoin</a> with the nation's $750 million of reserves. 
 
Remittances also make up 37% of their GPD. <a href="https://t.co/mk1cxMC4Ul">pic.twitter.com/mk1cxMC4Ul</a>
— Documenting Bitcoin ? (@DocumentingBTC) <a href="https://twitter.com/DocumentingBTC/status/1402655617462980613?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Support for crypto-currencies can come in many forms, whether it be by approving a certain project's tokens as legal tender, or by investing a countries reserves into digital assets to hedge against inflation. The industry is full of entrepreneurs and investors who are moving ahead at full speed, and the first countries to show support for these emerging technologies are set to gain tremendously by attracting jobs, talent and investments into their territories. Choosing an outright ban of crypto-currencies can make countries miss out on a huge opportunity for growth and high tech jobs, something that the entire world will need a lot more of after recuperating from the coronavirus pandemic.

On Wednesday, El Salvador's legislature passed a law that designates Bitcoin legal tender. This makes it possible to pay taxes with Bitcoin, and businesses will now be obligated to accept Bitcoin payments, and converting Bitcoin to other currencies will no longer be subjected to capital-gains tax.

On Wednesday, El Salvador's legislature passed a law that designates Bitcoin legal tender. This makes it possible to pay taxes with Bitcoin, and businesses will now be obligated to accept Bitcoin payments, and converting Bitcoin to other currencies will no longer be subjected to capital-gains tax. With this law that will take effect in 90 days, El Salvador becomes the first country in the world to consider Bitcoin a legal currency. The advantage of being first might make El Salvador a tidy gain when investors and entrepreneurs alike flock to the nation, taking advantage of the good climate, lack of property tax, no capital-gains tax for Bitcoin, and immediate permanent residence for crypto entrepreneurs. After El Salvador's legislature has legalised Bitcoin and deemed it a currency, the road ahead looks bright for other developing countries in the region. It is not only the President of El Salvador who is positive towards crypto-currencies, but a lot of other leaders in Central and South American countries too. Paraguay might be the second country to adopt Bitcoin, as the Deputy of the Nation Carlos Antonio Rejala Herman tweeted hints about adoption a few days back: “As I was saying, our country needs to advance hand-in-hand with the new generation. The moment has come, our moment. This week we start with an important project to innovate Paraguay in front of the world.” Note the #BTC & #PayPal in the tweet, could a collaboration be looming? Rejala also mentions 'to the moon' along with a picture of himself with laser eyes, a trend that caught on in the crypto currency community earlier this year. Como ya lo decía hace un buen tiempo, nuestro país necesita avanzar de la mano de la nueva generación. Llegó el momento, nuestro momento. Esta semana empezamos con un proyecto importante para innovar a Paraguay frente al mundo! El verdadero to the moon ?#btc & #paypal pic.twitter.com/ZMRJgAIxgO — Carlitos Rejala ?￰ﾟﾇﾵ?￰ﾟﾙﾌ (@carlitosrejala) June 7, 2021 × A move toward Bitcoin adoption could be very good for the economy of Paraguay, as the electricity is really cheap in the country and they produce more than twice as much electricity than what's used domestically, and they export power to both Argentina and Brazil at good rates. The cheap electricity, and positive legal outlook has led to the construction of one of the world's largest mining centers in the country. The Golden Goose Mining Center has been built on a 200,000m² site near the Laipu hydro-power plant in Paraguay. Stable and cheap hydro-power coming from this mega-sized dam, along with political stability, low taxes, support of foreign-funded enterprises, low risk of armed conflict with neighboring countries and high speed internet has made Paraguay tick all the boxes that mining companies are looking for when setting up operations. Panama Gabriel Silva is pushing for support and tweets, “This is important. And Panama cannot be left behind. If we want to be a true technology and entrepreneurship hub, we have to support cryptocurrencies We will be preparing a proposal to present at the Assembly. If you are interested in building it, you can contact me”. Esto es importante. Y Panamá no se puede quedar atrás. Si queremos ser un verdadero hub de tecnología y emprendimiento tenemos que apoyar las criptomonedas Estaremos preparando una propuesta para presentar en la Asamblea. Si están interesados en construirla me pueden contactarte https://t.co/yiAzPpD9nj — Gabriel Silva (@gabrielsilva8_7) June 7, 2021 × Mexico Senator Indira Kempis has also changed her twitter profile picture to one with laser eyes, along with many tweets supporting El Salvador's moves and the industry. https://t.co/h5iJ24TmNw pic.twitter.com/pBKVLDp7E9 — Indira Kempis de I. (@IndiraKempis) June 8, 2021 × Eduardo Murat Hinojosa also sports the laser eyes, will propose a legal framework for cryptos in Mexico's lower house. Voy a promover y proponer ante la Cámara de Diputados un marco legal para las criptomonedas en México #btc I will be promoting and proposing a legal framework for crypto coins in Mexico's lower house #btc pic.twitter.com/zwhYOZ7KAg — Eduardo Murat Hinojosa (@eduardomurat) June 8, 2021 × Colombia Jehudi Castro Sierra, Digital Transformation Adviser, Office of the Presidency of Colombia, contributed to the World Economic Forum's Decentralized Finance Policy-Maker toolkit and is calling for Colombia to embrace the emerging technology. Very pleased to have contributed to the Decentralized Finance: (DeFi) Policy-Maker Toolkit from @wef and @Wharton. DeFi is a great opportunity and Colombia is ready to embrace it. https://t.co/iih2IaPWm3 — Jehudi ?￰ﾟﾇﾴ (@JCastroS) June 8, 2021 × Brazil Fábio Ostermann updated his profile picture with laser eyes and tagged #LaserEyesTill100k showing his support. #LaserEyes #LaserEyesTill100k #NovaFotoDoPerfil pic.twitter.com/tbxThxh5Ps — Fábio Ostermann (@FabioOstermann) June 7, 2021 × Argentina Francisco Sanchez updated his profile photo of himself with the laser eyes, commenting “I can't believe it, but this is how it is”. #NuevaFotoDePerfil pic.twitter.com/zqftvmKRfB — Francisco Sánchez ?￰ﾟﾇﾷ (@fsancheznqn) June 7, 2021 × Tonga Tonga is another country positive towards Bitcoin, with Lord member of Parliament Lord Fusitua looking to invest in Bitcoin with the nation's $750m of reserves. Tonga ?￰ﾟﾇﾴ may be next nation to adopt #Bitcoin Lord Member of Parliament @LordFusitua says he's already chatting with @jackmallers and is looking to buy #bitcoin with the nation's $750 million of reserves. Remittances also make up 37% of their GPD. pic.twitter.com/mk1cxMC4Ul — Documenting Bitcoin ? (@DocumentingBTC) June 9, 2021 × Support for crypto-currencies can come in many forms, whether it be by approving a certain project's tokens as legal tender, or by investing a countries reserves into digital assets to hedge against inflation. The industry is full of entrepreneurs and investors who are moving ahead at full speed, and the first countries to show support for these emerging technologies are set to gain tremendously by attracting jobs, talent and investments into their territories. Choosing an outright ban of crypto-currencies can make countries miss out on a huge opportunity for growth and high tech jobs, something that the entire world will need a lot more of after recuperating from the coronavirus pandemic.

El Salvador legalises Bitcoin as other nations plan similar moves

The Congress of El Salvador has approved a law that will classify Bitcoin as legal tender in the Central American country, its president said, making it the world's first nation to adopt a cryptocurrency.

"The #BitcoinLaw has just been approved by a qualified majority" in the legislative assembly, President Nayib Bukele tweeted after the vote late Tuesday.

"History!" the president added.

He said a majority of 62 out of 84 lawmakers approved the bill, which he proposed last week.

The law passed with the support of Bukele's allies despite minority opposition parties -- who had criticised the speed of the vote -- refusing to back it.

Before the vote, Bukele said adopting the cryptocurrency would bring "financial inclusion, investment, tourism, innovation and economic development" to the country.

The Salvadoran leader has hailed bitcoin as "the fastest-growing way to transfer" billions of dollars in remittances and to prevent millions from being lost to intermediaries.

Remittances from Salvadorans working overseas represent a major chunk of the economy -- equivalent to roughly 22 per cent of Gross Domestic Product.

In 2020, remittances to the country totalled $5.9 billion, according to official reports.

"This is a law that will put El Salvador on the world's radar, we will be more attractive for foreign investment," Romeo Auerbach, deputy of the Grand Alliance for National Unity party, an ally of Bukele, said.

The cryptocurrency market grew to more than $2.5 trillion in mid-May 2020, according to the Coinmarketcap page, driven by interest from increasingly serious investors from Wall Street to Silicon Valley.

But the volatility of bitcoin -- currently priced at $33,814 -- and its murky legal status has raised questions about whether it could ever replace traditional currency in day-to-day transactions.

The Congress of El Salvador has approved a law that will classify Bitcoin as legal tender in the Central American country, its president said, making it the world's first nation to adopt a cryptocurrency.

The Congress of El Salvador has approved a law that will classify Bitcoin as legal tender in the Central American country, its president said, making it the world's first nation to adopt a cryptocurrency. "The #BitcoinLaw has just been approved by a qualified majority" in the legislative assembly, President Nayib Bukele tweeted after the vote late Tuesday. "History!" the president added. He said a majority of 62 out of 84 lawmakers approved the bill, which he proposed last week. The law passed with the support of Bukele's allies despite minority opposition parties -- who had criticised the speed of the vote -- refusing to back it. Before the vote, Bukele said adopting the cryptocurrency would bring "financial inclusion, investment, tourism, innovation and economic development" to the country. The Salvadoran leader has hailed bitcoin as "the fastest-growing way to transfer" billions of dollars in remittances and to prevent millions from being lost to intermediaries. Remittances from Salvadorans working overseas represent a major chunk of the economy -- equivalent to roughly 22 per cent of Gross Domestic Product. In 2020, remittances to the country totalled $5.9 billion, according to official reports. "This is a law that will put El Salvador on the world's radar, we will be more attractive for foreign investment," Romeo Auerbach, deputy of the Grand Alliance for National Unity party, an ally of Bukele, said. The cryptocurrency market grew to more than $2.5 trillion in mid-May 2020, according to the Coinmarketcap page, driven by interest from increasingly serious investors from Wall Street to Silicon Valley. But the volatility of bitcoin -- currently priced at $33,814 -- and its murky legal status has raised questions about whether it could ever replace traditional currency in day-to-day transactions.

El Salvador becomes the first country to adopt bitcoin as legal tender after passing legislation

The Supreme Court ruled unanimously Monday that immigrants allowed to stay in the United States temporarily for humanitarian reasons may not apply for green cards if they had entered the country unlawfully.

The case, Sanchez v. Mayorkas, No. 20-315, could affect tens of thousands of immigrants. It was brought by Jose Sanchez and Sonia Gonzalez, natives of El Salvador who entered the United States unlawfully in the late 1990s.

In 2001, after earthquakes devastated El Salvador, the United States made that country’s nationals eligible for the “temporary protected status” program. The program shields immigrants from parts of the world undergoing armed conflicts and natural disasters from deportation and allows them to work in the United States.

Sanchez and Gonzalez, a married couple, were granted protection under the program. In 2014, they applied for lawful permanent residency, commonly known as a green card. After their application was denied, they sued.

The 3rd US Circuit Court of Appeals, in Philadelphia, ruled against them, saying they were ineligible under a part of the immigration laws that requires applicants to have been “inspected and admitted” into the United States.

Temporary protected status, Judge Thomas M. Hardiman wrote for the unanimous three-judge panel, “does not constitute an admission.”

“As its name suggests,” he wrote, “this protection is meant to be temporary.”

Justice Elena Kagan, writing for the Supreme Court on Monday, agreed, saying that two parts of the immigration laws operate on separate tracks. One part allows some people who have entered the country lawfully to apply for green cards.

That first part “imposes an admission requirement twice over,” she wrote. It says that applicants for green cards must have been “inspected and admitted or paroled into the United States.” And it adds that people who had worked in the United States without authorization, as Sanchez had before he was granted temporary protected status, are eligible only if their presence in the United States was “pursuant to a lawful admission.”

The other relevant part of the immigration laws, Kagan wrote, allows immigrants, whether they entered the country lawfully or not, to apply for temporary protected status, or TPS.

“The government may designate a country for the program when it is beset by especially bad or dangerous conditions, such as arise from natural disasters or armed conflicts,” she wrote. “The country’s citizens, if already present in the United States, may then obtain TPS. That status protects them from removal and authorizes them to work here for as long as the TPS designation lasts.”

The two tracks can sometimes merge, Kagan wrote, if the recipient of temporary protected status had entered the country lawfully. But she added that people who entered without authorisation do not become eligible for green cards thanks to temporary protected status.

“Lawful status and admission, as the court below recognized,” she wrote, “are distinct concepts in immigration law: Establishing one does not necessarily establish the other.”

“On the one hand, a foreign national can be admitted but not in lawful status — think of someone who legally entered the United States on a student visa, but stayed in the country long past graduation,” Kagan wrote. “On the other hand, a foreign national can be in lawful status but not admitted — think of someone who entered the country unlawfully, but then received asylum. The latter is the situation Sanchez is in, except that he received a different kind of lawful status.”

“Because a grant of TPS does not come with a ticket of admission,” she wrote, “it does not eliminate the disqualifying effect of an unlawful entry.”

The Supreme Court ruled unanimously Monday that immigrants allowed to stay in the United States temporarily for humanitarian reasons may not apply for green cards if they had entered the country unlawfully.

The Supreme Court ruled unanimously Monday that immigrants allowed to stay in the United States temporarily for humanitarian reasons may not apply for green cards if they had entered the country unlawfully. The case, Sanchez v. Mayorkas, No. 20-315, could affect tens of thousands of immigrants. It was brought by Jose Sanchez and Sonia Gonzalez, natives of El Salvador who entered the United States unlawfully in the late 1990s. In 2001, after earthquakes devastated El Salvador, the United States made that country’s nationals eligible for the “temporary protected status” program. The program shields immigrants from parts of the world undergoing armed conflicts and natural disasters from deportation and allows them to work in the United States. Sanchez and Gonzalez, a married couple, were granted protection under the program. In 2014, they applied for lawful permanent residency, commonly known as a green card. After their application was denied, they sued. The 3rd US Circuit Court of Appeals, in Philadelphia, ruled against them, saying they were ineligible under a part of the immigration laws that requires applicants to have been “inspected and admitted” into the United States. Temporary protected status, Judge Thomas M. Hardiman wrote for the unanimous three-judge panel, “does not constitute an admission.” “As its name suggests,” he wrote, “this protection is meant to be temporary.” Justice Elena Kagan, writing for the Supreme Court on Monday, agreed, saying that two parts of the immigration laws operate on separate tracks. One part allows some people who have entered the country lawfully to apply for green cards. That first part “imposes an admission requirement twice over,” she wrote. It says that applicants for green cards must have been “inspected and admitted or paroled into the United States.” And it adds that people who had worked in the United States without authorization, as Sanchez had before he was granted temporary protected status, are eligible only if their presence in the United States was “pursuant to a lawful admission.” The other relevant part of the immigration laws, Kagan wrote, allows immigrants, whether they entered the country lawfully or not, to apply for temporary protected status, or TPS. “The government may designate a country for the program when it is beset by especially bad or dangerous conditions, such as arise from natural disasters or armed conflicts,” she wrote. “The country’s citizens, if already present in the United States, may then obtain TPS. That status protects them from removal and authorizes them to work here for as long as the TPS designation lasts.” The two tracks can sometimes merge, Kagan wrote, if the recipient of temporary protected status had entered the country lawfully. But she added that people who entered without authorisation do not become eligible for green cards thanks to temporary protected status. “Lawful status and admission, as the court below recognized,” she wrote, “are distinct concepts in immigration law: Establishing one does not necessarily establish the other.” “On the one hand, a foreign national can be admitted but not in lawful status — think of someone who legally entered the United States on a student visa, but stayed in the country long past graduation,” Kagan wrote. “On the other hand, a foreign national can be in lawful status but not admitted — think of someone who entered the country unlawfully, but then received asylum. The latter is the situation Sanchez is in, except that he received a different kind of lawful status.” “Because a grant of TPS does not come with a ticket of admission,” she wrote, “it does not eliminate the disqualifying effect of an unlawful entry.”

Supreme Court rules against immigrants seeking green cards

El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele said on Saturday that he will send a bill to Congress next week to make bitcoin legal tender in the country. 
 
"In the short term, this will generate jobs and help provide financial inclusion to thousands outside the formal economy," Bukele said in a video shown at the Bitcoin 2021 conference in Miami. 
 
Strike, a mobile payments app that launched in El Salvador in March, said in a statement that it welcomed the legislation and was working with the country to make using bitcoin technology a success. 
 
“This is the shot heard 'round the world for bitcoin," Strike founder and CEO Jack Mallers was quoted as saying at the Miami conference. 
 
"Adopting a natively digital currency as legal tender provides El Salvador the most secure, efficient and globally integrated open payments network in the world," Mallers said. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele said on Saturday that he will send a bill to Congress next week to make bitcoin legal tender in the country. "In the short term, this will generate jobs and help provide financial inclusion to thousands outside the formal economy," Bukele said in a video shown at the Bitcoin 2021 conference in Miami.

El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele said on Saturday that he will send a bill to Congress next week to make bitcoin legal tender in the country. "In the short term, this will generate jobs and help provide financial inclusion to thousands outside the formal economy," Bukele said in a video shown at the Bitcoin 2021 conference in Miami. Strike, a mobile payments app that launched in El Salvador in March, said in a statement that it welcomed the legislation and was working with the country to make using bitcoin technology a success. “This is the shot heard 'round the world for bitcoin," Strike founder and CEO Jack Mallers was quoted as saying at the Miami conference. "Adopting a natively digital currency as legal tender provides El Salvador the most secure, efficient and globally integrated open payments network in the world," Mallers said. (With inputs from agencies)

El Salvador's president says will send bill to make bitcoin legal tender

A court in El Salvador has ordered the release of a young woman sentenced to 30 years in prison for homicide following the death of her unborn child in 2012, authorities said on Monday. 
 
Sara Rogel was arrested in October 2012 after going to a hospital with bleeding injuries caused by what she said was a fall while carrying out chores at home. Then a 22-year-old student, Rogel was prosecuted and sentenced for killing her unborn daughter. 
 
Salvadoran law applies one of the world's strictest bans on abortion with no exceptions made for rape, incest or when the mother's life is at risk. 
 
More than eight years after Rogel was incarcerated, a judge for the Cojutepeque prison in eastern El Salvador granted her early release after accepting an appeal for pardon from her lawyers, said Ulises Marinero, chief spokesman for the courts. 
 
Rogel will continue, however, to be held in custody because the prosecution still has five days to appeal the decision. 
 
"We feel the ruling is very satisfactory due to the effort we've made to free all these women, who have been criminalised for having had an obstetrical emergency like Sara," her defence attorney Abigail Cortez said.

(With inputs from agencies)

A court in El Salvador has ordered the release of a young woman sentenced to 30 years in prison for homicide following the death of her unborn child in 2012, authorities said on Monday.

A court in El Salvador has ordered the release of a young woman sentenced to 30 years in prison for homicide following the death of her unborn child in 2012, authorities said on Monday. Sara Rogel was arrested in October 2012 after going to a hospital with bleeding injuries caused by what she said was a fall while carrying out chores at home. Then a 22-year-old student, Rogel was prosecuted and sentenced for killing her unborn daughter. Salvadoran law applies one of the world's strictest bans on abortion with no exceptions made for rape, incest or when the mother's life is at risk. More than eight years after Rogel was incarcerated, a judge for the Cojutepeque prison in eastern El Salvador granted her early release after accepting an appeal for pardon from her lawyers, said Ulises Marinero, chief spokesman for the courts. Rogel will continue, however, to be held in custody because the prosecution still has five days to appeal the decision. "We feel the ruling is very satisfactory due to the effort we've made to free all these women, who have been criminalised for having had an obstetrical emergency like Sara," her defence attorney Abigail Cortez said. (With inputs from agencies)

El Salvador court to free woman given 30 years for death of foetus

A team of forensic specialists on Thursday took out the remains of at least 14 people murdered and buried in the home of a former police officer who became a gang leader in western El Salvador.

Clad in full biosafety gear, the team entered the home of ex-cop Hugo Ernesto Osorio Chavez for their grisly work in the town of Chalchuapa.

Justice and Security Minister Gustavo Villatoro said that at least 14 bodies had been found buried separately at Osorio Chavez's home.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-expresses-concern-over-el-salvador-vote-to-remove-judges-382492">US expresses concern over El Salvador vote to remove judges&nbsp;</a>

The ex-cop was detained on May 8 as the main suspect in the murder of a woman and her daughter, after neighbors alerted the authorities.

This led to police entering his home, where they began uncovering bodies.

Villatoro said that DNA samples were being collected from area residents who had a missing relative to see if it matched with any of the bodies.

The ex-police officer's home, which faces a sugar cane field, was blocked off by police, preventing reporters from entering the area.

Forensic criminologist Israel Ticas told AFP that digging will continue in other parts of the property, and estimated that the task could take more than a month.

On Wednesday a local judge ordered the arrest of 11 people linked to Osorio Chavez. The accomplices were accused of aggravated femicide and aggravated homicide.

In 2020 tiny El Salvador, population 6.5 million, ended the year with 1,322 homicides -- an average of 20 per 100,000 inhabitants.

The figure is nevertheless significantly lower than 2019, and the lowest since the end of the country's bitter civil war in 1992, according to official figures.

A team of forensic specialists on Thursday took out the remains of at least 14 people murdered and buried in the home of a former police officer who became a gang leader in western El Salvador.

A team of forensic specialists on Thursday took out the remains of at least 14 people murdered and buried in the home of a former police officer who became a gang leader in western El Salvador. Clad in full biosafety gear, the team entered the home of ex-cop Hugo Ernesto Osorio Chavez for their grisly work in the town of Chalchuapa. Justice and Security Minister Gustavo Villatoro said that at least 14 bodies had been found buried separately at Osorio Chavez's home. Also read | US expresses concern over El Salvador vote to remove judges The ex-cop was detained on May 8 as the main suspect in the murder of a woman and her daughter, after neighbors alerted the authorities. This led to police entering his home, where they began uncovering bodies. Villatoro said that DNA samples were being collected from area residents who had a missing relative to see if it matched with any of the bodies. The ex-police officer's home, which faces a sugar cane field, was blocked off by police, preventing reporters from entering the area. Forensic criminologist Israel Ticas told AFP that digging will continue in other parts of the property, and estimated that the task could take more than a month. On Wednesday a local judge ordered the arrest of 11 people linked to Osorio Chavez. The accomplices were accused of aggravated femicide and aggravated homicide. In 2020 tiny El Salvador, population 6.5 million, ended the year with 1,322 homicides -- an average of 20 per 100,000 inhabitants. The figure is nevertheless significantly lower than 2019, and the lowest since the end of the country's bitter civil war in 1992, according to official figures.

El Salvador former cop-turned gangster had 14 victims buried at his home

The vote by El Salvador's new congress to remove the magistrates of the Supreme Court's constitutional chamber and the attorney general on the newly elected legislative body's very first day drew concern and condemnation from multinational groups and the United States.&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken spoke to Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele on Sunday about the previous day's vote, saying that an independent judiciary is essential to democratic governance, the State Department said.&nbsp;

Bukele's New Ideas party won 56 out of the 84 seats in the Legislative Assembly in February elections that pushed aside the country's traditional parties, already weakened by corruption scandals.&nbsp;

The dominant electoral performance raised concerns that Bukele would seek to change the court, which along with the previous congress, had been the only obstacles that the very popular leader faced. The vote on Saturday to remove the five magistrates was 64 lawmakers in favour, 19 opposed and one abstention.&nbsp;

Now, with effective control of the congress and the high court, few if any checks remain on Bukele's power.&nbsp;

He swept into office in 2019 as a break from the country's corrupt and troubled traditional parties, though his political career had started in the leftist Farabundo Mart National Liberation Front.&nbsp;

And even before the assembly was in his sway, Bukele sought to bully and intimidate El Salvador's other democratic institutions. In February 2020, he sent heavily armed soldiers to surround the congress when it delayed voting on a security loan he had sought.&nbsp;

Bukele clashed repeatedly with the constitutional chamber of the Supreme Court during the pandemic. When it ruled his obligatory stay-at-home order unconstitutional in last June, Bukele said, “The court has just ordered us to murder dozens of thousands of Salvadorans within five days."&nbsp;

Blinken also expressed concern about the removal of Attorney General Raul Melara, saying he was fighting corruption and has been an effective partner of efforts to combat crime in both the United States and El Salvador, State Department spokesman Ned Price said. &nbsp;

Melara had been selected by the previous congress and was an outspoken Bukele critic.&nbsp;

Blinken said the US is committed to supporting democratic institutions in El Salvador.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The vote by El Salvador's new congress to remove the magistrates of the Supreme Court's constitutional chamber and the attorney general on the newly elected legislative body's very first day drew concern and condemnation from multinational groups and the United States.

The vote by El Salvador's new congress to remove the magistrates of the Supreme Court's constitutional chamber and the attorney general on the newly elected legislative body's very first day drew concern and condemnation from multinational groups and the United States. US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken spoke to Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele on Sunday about the previous day's vote, saying that an independent judiciary is essential to democratic governance, the State Department said. Bukele's New Ideas party won 56 out of the 84 seats in the Legislative Assembly in February elections that pushed aside the country's traditional parties, already weakened by corruption scandals. The dominant electoral performance raised concerns that Bukele would seek to change the court, which along with the previous congress, had been the only obstacles that the very popular leader faced. The vote on Saturday to remove the five magistrates was 64 lawmakers in favour, 19 opposed and one abstention. Now, with effective control of the congress and the high court, few if any checks remain on Bukele's power. He swept into office in 2019 as a break from the country's corrupt and troubled traditional parties, though his political career had started in the leftist Farabundo Mart National Liberation Front. And even before the assembly was in his sway, Bukele sought to bully and intimidate El Salvador's other democratic institutions. In February 2020, he sent heavily armed soldiers to surround the congress when it delayed voting on a security loan he had sought. Bukele clashed repeatedly with the constitutional chamber of the Supreme Court during the pandemic. When it ruled his obligatory stay-at-home order unconstitutional in last June, Bukele said, “The court has just ordered us to murder dozens of thousands of Salvadorans within five days." Blinken also expressed concern about the removal of Attorney General Raul Melara, saying he was fighting corruption and has been an effective partner of efforts to combat crime in both the United States and El Salvador, State Department spokesman Ned Price said. Melara had been selected by the previous congress and was an outspoken Bukele critic. Blinken said the US is committed to supporting democratic institutions in El Salvador. (With inputs from agencies)

US expresses concern over El Salvador vote to remove judges 

Outrage grew in Mexico as authorities said that an autopsy of a Salvadoran woman confirmed police broke her neck. 36-year-old Victoria Esperanza Salazar, died after a Mexican female police officer was seen in a video kneeling on her back.

Autopsy confirms Mexico Police broke neck of Salvadoran woman

El Salvador's president Nayib Bukele said on Saturday that 1 million Sinovac vaccines against COVID-19 would arrive in the Central American country early on Sunday, the latest assistance against the pandemic to reach Latin America from China.

Writing on Twitter, Bukele said the shots were part of a 2 million vaccine purchase El Salvador made with Sinovac, and that the first 1 million were already en route from China.

Bukele thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Chinese ambassador to El Salvador, Ou Jianhong, for their help in enabling the acquisition to come about.

The delivery is a significant boost for El Salvador, a country of around 6.5 million people which began its immunisation campaign with the AstraZeneca vaccine in February.

Bukele said El Salvador would soon have enough vaccines to inoculate all senior citizens and people with chronic illnesses, as well as medical staff, emergency services and armed forces personnel, law enforcement officials, teachers and journalists.

The Chinese embassy also tweeted about the imminent arrival of the vaccines in El Salvador, which broke diplomatic ties with Taiwan in favour of Beijing in 2018.

El Salvador's president Nayib Bukele said on Saturday that 1 million Sinovac vaccines against COVID-19 would arrive in the Central American country early on Sunday, the latest assistance against the pandemic to reach Latin America from China.

El Salvador's president Nayib Bukele said on Saturday that 1 million Sinovac vaccines against COVID-19 would arrive in the Central American country early on Sunday, the latest assistance against the pandemic to reach Latin America from China. Writing on Twitter, Bukele said the shots were part of a 2 million vaccine purchase El Salvador made with Sinovac, and that the first 1 million were already en route from China. Bukele thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Chinese ambassador to El Salvador, Ou Jianhong, for their help in enabling the acquisition to come about. The delivery is a significant boost for El Salvador, a country of around 6.5 million people which began its immunisation campaign with the AstraZeneca vaccine in February. Bukele said El Salvador would soon have enough vaccines to inoculate all senior citizens and people with chronic illnesses, as well as medical staff, emergency services and armed forces personnel, law enforcement officials, teachers and journalists. The Chinese embassy also tweeted about the imminent arrival of the vaccines in El Salvador, which broke diplomatic ties with Taiwan in favour of Beijing in 2018.

El Salvador acquires two million COVID-19 vaccines from China

Hundreds of handcuffed Salvadoran gang members were displayed before assembled reporters on Saturday, a vivid show of President Nayib Bukele`s policy of confronting them and the violent crime they are accused of committing.

Some 600 members of El Salvador`s Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang and its rival Barrio 18 made up the bulk of the detentions that were announced on Friday, following a one-week U.S.-backed round-up of Central American gangs that also netted arrests in neighboring Guatemala and Honduras.

The detainees paraded before the press on Saturday, a common tactic that predates Bukele, have been charged with murder, kidnapping and human trafficking, among other crimes, according to officials.

In April, Bukele provoked the ire of rights groups when he published on social media jarring pictures of hundreds of semi-naked jailed gang members, pressed tightly together in rows, despite the raging pandemic.

At the time, the inmates were being punished for an outbreak of violence.

Security Minister Rogelio Rivas called the majority of the newly-detained "terrorists" in remarks after they were assembled in an open-air plaza by heavily-armed soldiers, nearly all the detainees wearing masks and with their faces, many tattooed, looking down.

Government figures show that the murder rate has fallen by nearly half so far this year compared to the same period last year, which Bukele argues is due to a larger military and police presence on streets as well as in jails believed to be controlled by the gangs.

In September, online news site El Faro published an investigation revealing an alleged negotiation between the government and MS-13 over reducing homicides in exchange for other benefits, including electoral support for Bukele, an accusation the president has denied.

The latest round-up could be meant to refute the idea that the government is negotiating with the gangs, security analyst Jeannette Aguilar said in an interview.

Hundreds of handcuffed Salvadoran gang members were displayed before assembled reporters on Saturday, a vivid show of President Nayib Bukele`s policy of confronting them and the violent crime they are accused of committing.

Hundreds of handcuffed Salvadoran gang members were displayed before assembled reporters on Saturday, a vivid show of President Nayib Bukele`s policy of confronting them and the violent crime they are accused of committing. Some 600 members of El Salvador`s Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang and its rival Barrio 18 made up the bulk of the detentions that were announced on Friday, following a one-week U.S.-backed round-up of Central American gangs that also netted arrests in neighboring Guatemala and Honduras. The detainees paraded before the press on Saturday, a common tactic that predates Bukele, have been charged with murder, kidnapping and human trafficking, among other crimes, according to officials. In April, Bukele provoked the ire of rights groups when he published on social media jarring pictures of hundreds of semi-naked jailed gang members, pressed tightly together in rows, despite the raging pandemic. At the time, the inmates were being punished for an outbreak of violence. Security Minister Rogelio Rivas called the majority of the newly-detained "terrorists" in remarks after they were assembled in an open-air plaza by heavily-armed soldiers, nearly all the detainees wearing masks and with their faces, many tattooed, looking down. Government figures show that the murder rate has fallen by nearly half so far this year compared to the same period last year, which Bukele argues is due to a larger military and police presence on streets as well as in jails believed to be controlled by the gangs. In September, online news site El Faro published an investigation revealing an alleged negotiation between the government and MS-13 over reducing homicides in exchange for other benefits, including electoral support for Bukele, an accusation the president has denied. The latest round-up could be meant to refute the idea that the government is negotiating with the gangs, security analyst Jeannette Aguilar said in an interview.

In El Salvador, arrested gang members paraded for the cameras

A landslide sparked by heavy rains has killed at least seven people in El Salvador and more than 30 more are suspected missing under a deluge of mud.

Authorities said there were two children among the seven dead.

The slide occurred Thursday night when earth from the upper part of the San Salvador volcano was set in motion, sweeping up trees and homes along a nearly 2-mile (3-kilometre) course some 12 miles (20 kilometres) north of the capital.

El Salvador’s Civil Protection Agency said the landslide had carved a route approximately 4 km in length through Los Angelitos, sweeping mud, rocks and tree trunks in its path.

Defense Minister Rene Francis Merino Monroy tweeted photographs from the site showing soldiers with a sniffer dog working alongside fire crews and civilians to try to unearth survivors in the early hours of the morning.

Interior Minister Mario Duran called the situation “difficult” and said around 35 people were buried in the slide.

A landslide sparked by heavy rains has killed at least seven people in El Salvador and more than 30 more are suspected missing under a deluge of mud. Authorities said there were two children among the seven dead.

A landslide sparked by heavy rains has killed at least seven people in El Salvador and more than 30 more are suspected missing under a deluge of mud. Authorities said there were two children among the seven dead. The slide occurred Thursday night when earth from the upper part of the San Salvador volcano was set in motion, sweeping up trees and homes along a nearly 2-mile (3-kilometre) course some 12 miles (20 kilometres) north of the capital. El Salvador’s Civil Protection Agency said the landslide had carved a route approximately 4 km in length through Los Angelitos, sweeping mud, rocks and tree trunks in its path. Defense Minister Rene Francis Merino Monroy tweeted photographs from the site showing soldiers with a sniffer dog working alongside fire crews and civilians to try to unearth survivors in the early hours of the morning. Interior Minister Mario Duran called the situation “difficult” and said around 35 people were buried in the slide.

El Salvador landslide kills seven; over 30 missing

At least 10 people died as tropical storm Amanda hit El Salvador and Guatemala on Sunday.&nbsp;

El Salvador witnessed all the fatalities and its President Nayib Bukele declared a state of emergency for 15 days.&nbsp;

Carolina Recinos, a top cabinet official, said that one person is reported missing.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amphan-toll-rises-to-85-in-bengal-protests-over-electricity-water-supply-300535">Amphan toll rises to 85 in Bengal; protests over electricity, water supply</a> 
 
The tropical storm, which weakened and now moved into Guatemala, caused massive floods and power failures.&nbsp;

In the capital, San Salvador, 50 homes were damaged due to heavy rains and strong winds, while 23 vehicles fell into a sinkhole, Mayor Ernesto Muyshondt said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tropical-storm-bertha-makes-landfall-along-southeast-us-coast-301398">Tropical Storm Bertha makes landfall along Southeast US coast</a>

"We are experiencing an unprecedented situation: one top-level emergency on top of another serious one," Muyshondt said, referring to coronavirus pandemic causing trouble before storm Amanda.&nbsp;

In some flooded regions, military men helped emergency personnel to carry out the rescue operation.&nbsp;

"We lost everything, we've been left with nowhere to live," said Isidro Gomez, a resident of San Salvador said, reported AFP, after his home was destroyed by an overflowed river.&nbsp;

Mariano Ramos, another victim of the same city, said that in morning residents of his neighbourhood faced an avalanche of mud and water. Officials said an elderly man was killed in the neighbourhood.&nbsp;

El Salvador's environment ministry warned people of the "high probability" of multiple landslides of rocks and debris that could damage buildings and lead to injury or loss of lives.&nbsp;

In neighbouring Guatemala, officials informed about the road blockages because of at least five landslides and some flooding was reported.

However, no evacuations is underway as of now.&nbsp;

At least 10 people died as tropical storm Amanda hit El Salvador and Guatemala on Sunday. El Salvador witnessed all the fatalities and its President Nayib Bukele declared a state of emergency for 15 days.

At least 10 people died as tropical storm Amanda hit El Salvador and Guatemala on Sunday. El Salvador witnessed all the fatalities and its President Nayib Bukele declared a state of emergency for 15 days. Carolina Recinos, a top cabinet official, said that one person is reported missing. Also read | Amphan toll rises to 85 in Bengal; protests over electricity, water supply The tropical storm, which weakened and now moved into Guatemala, caused massive floods and power failures. In the capital, San Salvador, 50 homes were damaged due to heavy rains and strong winds, while 23 vehicles fell into a sinkhole, Mayor Ernesto Muyshondt said. Also read | Tropical Storm Bertha makes landfall along Southeast US coast "We are experiencing an unprecedented situation: one top-level emergency on top of another serious one," Muyshondt said, referring to coronavirus pandemic causing trouble before storm Amanda. In some flooded regions, military men helped emergency personnel to carry out the rescue operation. "We lost everything, we've been left with nowhere to live," said Isidro Gomez, a resident of San Salvador said, reported AFP, after his home was destroyed by an overflowed river. Mariano Ramos, another victim of the same city, said that in morning residents of his neighbourhood faced an avalanche of mud and water. Officials said an elderly man was killed in the neighbourhood. El Salvador's environment ministry warned people of the "high probability" of multiple landslides of rocks and debris that could damage buildings and lead to injury or loss of lives. In neighbouring Guatemala, officials informed about the road blockages because of at least five landslides and some flooding was reported. However, no evacuations is underway as of now.

At least 10 killed as Tropical Storm Amanda hits El Salvador, Guatemala

Tropical Cyclones occurs in between 23 half degree North and South latitude due to convection cycle that tends to lift warm air and suppress cooler air that creates low pressure zone in the middle of the cyclone and higher zone on the outskirts. Generally these cyclones are categorised under destructive ones as the coriolis force that creates pressure on trade winds to move in right in Northern Hemisphere and Left in Southern Hemisphere creates a vortex of high speed winds.

Tropical Cyclone Amanda: National Emergency for 15 days declared in El Salvador

Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele declared a state of emergency to extend coronavirus measures without a prior approval by the Congress, sparking a controversy, on Saturday.

Congress approved an emergency declaration in March to respond to the coronavirus pandemic, but after an extension in April, the measure was due to expire on Sunday. Lawmakers planned to discuss an extension when they reconvened on Monday.

To this end, Salvadoran lawmakers and prosecutors on Sunday vowed to challenge the decree, which they said had overstepped Bukele's powers.

Bukele's administration, however, maintains that a civil protection law authorises the president to declare a state of emergency if congress cannot hold a session.

They contend that the risk of the coronavirus spreading further in El Salvador justifies the measures.&nbsp;

The emergency declaration, which will remain in force over the next 30 days, extends the suspension of classes, restrictions on movement in areas affected by the pandemic and bans on gatherings of large groups. It also authorises additional government spending during the emergency.

Lawmakers and civil society groups urged an investigation to determine whether Bukele had exceeded his powers.

The country has 1,338 confirmed cases of the virus and 27 deaths.

This is not the first time the brash 38-year-old leader has angered rights groups, who say he has shown authoritarian tendencies. In February, Bukele and a group of soldiers armed with automatic weapons briefly occupied Congress. Last month, he released startling photos of hundreds of jailed gang members stripped to underwear and pressed together in formation, horrifying advocates.

(with inputs)

Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele declared a state of emergency to extend coronavirus measures without a prior approval by the Congress, sparking a controversy, on Saturday.

Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele declared a state of emergency to extend coronavirus measures without a prior approval by the Congress, sparking a controversy, on Saturday. Congress approved an emergency declaration in March to respond to the coronavirus pandemic, but after an extension in April, the measure was due to expire on Sunday. Lawmakers planned to discuss an extension when they reconvened on Monday. To this end, Salvadoran lawmakers and prosecutors on Sunday vowed to challenge the decree, which they said had overstepped Bukele's powers. Bukele's administration, however, maintains that a civil protection law authorises the president to declare a state of emergency if congress cannot hold a session. They contend that the risk of the coronavirus spreading further in El Salvador justifies the measures. The emergency declaration, which will remain in force over the next 30 days, extends the suspension of classes, restrictions on movement in areas affected by the pandemic and bans on gatherings of large groups. It also authorises additional government spending during the emergency. Lawmakers and civil society groups urged an investigation to determine whether Bukele had exceeded his powers. The country has 1,338 confirmed cases of the virus and 27 deaths. This is not the first time the brash 38-year-old leader has angered rights groups, who say he has shown authoritarian tendencies. In February, Bukele and a group of soldiers armed with automatic weapons briefly occupied Congress. Last month, he released startling photos of hundreds of jailed gang members stripped to underwear and pressed together in formation, horrifying advocates. (with inputs)

Salvadoran president declares emergency without approval from Congress

Ever since the Coronavirus began breaching borders, countries across the world decided to release prisoners. Latin American nations refrained and now prisons have turned into hotspots.

Gravitas: Inside El Salvador's crammed prisons

A country in Central America has historically been marred by gang-related violence and continues to grapple with in-prison violence, closely related to drug gangs.

On Friday, the president of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele had announced a 24-hour lockdown of prisons after record 22 murders were witnessed in a single-day! 
 
Additionally, all of the gang members, especially their leaders were put in solitary confinement after the number of murders spiked out of the blue.

“No contact with the outside world. Shops will remain closed and all activities are suspended until further notice,” Bukele said in a tweet.

“Gang leaders will go into solitary confinement”, Bukele added.

<h6><img alt="pp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5472131a-e7f5-4afc-ac1e-e01102139617" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-6.jpg" /> 
Handout picture released on April 26, 2020 by El Salvador's Presidency press office showing inmates at the Izalco prison | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

The investigation into 22 murders is underway, however, authorities believe all the murders are gang-related.

The maximum emergency lockdown has been put in place to ensure that the police investigation may be conducted freely. 
 
This is the highest number recorded in the country in terms of single day murders since Bukele assumed office last June, The Guardian reported. 
 
The number of murders in El Salvador has fallen significantly in the recent years though, under Bukele administration. In the last few months, the country has gone for days without a single murder, a big feat for the country. 
 
The lockdown measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 are among the strictest across the world in the country.

El Salvador has been marred by street gang violence for years. Known as “maras”, these gangs led to the country’s notoriously high homicide rate. In fact, it has remained highest across the Americas.

A country in Central America has historically been marred by gang-related violence and continues to grapple with in-prison violence, closely related to drug gangs.

A country in Central America has historically been marred by gang-related violence and continues to grapple with in-prison violence, closely related to drug gangs. On Friday, the president of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele had announced a 24-hour lockdown of prisons after record 22 murders were witnessed in a single-day! Additionally, all of the gang members, especially their leaders were put in solitary confinement after the number of murders spiked out of the blue. “No contact with the outside world. Shops will remain closed and all activities are suspended until further notice,” Bukele said in a tweet. “Gang leaders will go into solitary confinement”, Bukele added. Handout picture released on April 26, 2020 by El Salvador's Presidency press office showing inmates at the Izalco prison | AFP The investigation into 22 murders is underway, however, authorities believe all the murders are gang-related. The maximum emergency lockdown has been put in place to ensure that the police investigation may be conducted freely. This is the highest number recorded in the country in terms of single day murders since Bukele assumed office last June, The Guardian reported. The number of murders in El Salvador has fallen significantly in the recent years though, under Bukele administration. In the last few months, the country has gone for days without a single murder, a big feat for the country. The lockdown measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 are among the strictest across the world in the country. El Salvador has been marred by street gang violence for years. Known as “maras”, these gangs led to the country’s notoriously high homicide rate. In fact, it has remained highest across the Americas.

This small American country witnessed 22 prison homicides in one day!

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