Protest of the dangerous "maras" paralyzes El Salvador

The "Mara Salvatrucha" and "Gang 18" ordered a transport strike in protest and trade under the new law that criminalizes.




Crime continues to put in trouble the rulers of El Salvador. After the new law that criminalizes gang "Mara Salvatrucha" and "Gang 18" ordered a transport strike of 72 hours to prevent the law catches up.

As reported by the BBC, on the streets of San Salvador and inland carriers 80% complied with the provision.



"The city and major roads were militarized and the atmosphere of desolation was interrupted only by caravans of pedestrians desandaban the way to their place of work", the BBC reported, adding that "some buses were replaced by trucks that came to passengers at intermediate points in exchange for U.S. $ 0.25 or $ 0.50 ".

ALSO TRADE STOPPED
The measure not only paralyzed the transport but also trade, 70% put a stop to their work for fear of reprisals, as the "Gang 18" flyers circulated to traders demanded close their position or face "to the consequences. "

"All employers will fulfill 72 hours of arrest for fear of 'maras'" said David Gallegos, manager of the East Terminal in San Salvador, told the BBC.

The "maras" try to pressure President Mauricio Funes to veto the Prohibition of Maras Act, passed by Congress on Sept. country.

The government has responded by deploying troops and military police to guard the bus stations and guarantee protection for the few carriers that move people.

THE LAW OF DISCORD
The law that has paralyzed the country outlaw gangs and their financing and the existence in the country of "death squads" social, was introduced by the Funes government in July, shortly after members of the "Gang 18" set fire public transport and cause the death of 17 people.

"We offer our sincere apologies for any inconvenience caused (...) We want to clarify that the measure was prompted for the sole purpose of being heard," he told a local television station a gang with their faces covered.

PRISONS IN A STATE OF EMERGENCY
The situation is further aggravated because the last few days prisoners have faced and have been declared in default so that the Directorate of Prisons declared a state of emergency in six prisons.

Despite all the authorities have said they will not negotiate with criminals. "We are not willing to have conversations with criminals. Our job as a policeman is to reverse the violence and to prevent and combat crime, "said Carlos Ascencio, director of the National Civil Police (PNC).