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Complex inaugurated in 2023 maintains permanent surveillance, cell phone blocking, and strict rules to prevent riots, escapes, and gang reorganization
One of the most guarded prisons in the world has become a symbol of El Salvador’s security policy and has once again attracted international attention.
The CECOT, Center for Terrorism Confinement, was inaugurated in 2023 as part of President Nayib Bukele’s offensive against organized crime.
The complex was designed to house up to 40,000 inmates, many accused of links to violent gangs such as MS-13 and Barrio 18.
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Before this mass repression policy, El Salvador was known as the “murder capital of the world”.
The Salvadoran government presents CECOT as a direct response to the power of the gangs.
Human rights organizations criticize the detention conditions and point to a growing tension between public security and fundamental rights.
Permanent lighting is part of the control protocol
One of the most striking rules of CECOT is simple and inflexible: the lights are never turned off.
According to the documentary Richard Madeley on Murder Row, aired by Channel 5, the lighting system operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
According to the prison director, Belarmino García, the measure is part of the internal protocol.
The management states that they need to be able to see what the prisoners are doing at all times.
The justification is directly linked to permanent control inside the cells.
Richard Madeley asked if those conditions could be considered cruel.
García responded that it was necessary to maintain control.
Electronic blocking prevents clandestine communication
CECOT has rigid layers of security.
According to the Channel 5 documentary, the complex has an electronic block that prevents cell signal entry.
The administration tries to avoid clandestine communication, smuggling, and reorganization of gangs within the prison.
The control also includes daily counts of prisoners, even with a strong surveillance apparatus.
The logic of the prison seeks to minimize any chance of rebellion, escape, or external communication.
Prisoners’ routine is limited and highly monitored
Inside the cells, inmates stay on multi-level metal beds.
They do not have mattresses, pillows, or blankets.
The only item allowed in the cells is a Bible.
Screens, books, and newspapers are not permitted.
Conversations must also be kept to a minimum, according to the rules shown in the documentary.
The routine is calculated rigorously.
The prisoners spend about 23 and a half hours a day inside the cells.
During the 30 minutes outside, they do calisthenic exercises and listen to Bible readings.
The meals follow the same pattern daily.
The inmates receive rice and beans twice a day.
Isolation cell increases criticism of the complex
The documentary also showed the isolation cell of CECOT.
According to Richard Madeley, the space was described as a small concrete hole, completely dark and silent.
Prisoners considered problematic can remain there for up to 30 days.
The presenter stated that there is no light entering through the ceiling.
In the dark, according to him, it would be necessary to feel around to find the stone sink and the toilet.
This structure reinforces the criticisms made by human rights organizations.
The Salvadoran government defends CECOT as a central part of the decline in gang power.
Prison divides opinions worldwide
Inside CECOT are some of the most feared criminals in El Salvador.
Many are serving consecutive sentences exceeding 700 years.
In an interview shown in the documentary, an inmate stated he had no remorse for killing 30 innocent people.
He also said he would do the same again if released.
This type of account strengthens the official discourse of extreme control.
The prison conditions keep the debate open on the international stage.
For the Salvadoran government, CECOT represents the weakening of gangs.
For critics, the prison exposes a dangerous boundary between fighting crime and violating fundamental rights.
After all, how far can a State go in the name of public safety without crossing basic human limits?
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