To bolster the fight against terrorism, the Salvadoran Congress, in its first plenary session of 2024, approved with a resounding 63 votes a series of amendments to the Special Law Against Acts of Terrorism. The primary objective behind these changes is to align the national legal framework with the resolutions set forth by the United Nations Security Council.
Among the significant reforms is the establishment of a dedicated authority tasked with identifying individuals and groups involved in acts of terrorism. This authority will conduct thorough investigations, subsequently compiling a list that will be presented to the United Nations Security Council for international exposure.
The prosecutor general, Rodolfo Delgado, elaborated on the importance of these changes before the congressional security committee, stating, «This reform defines a competent authority and the procedures for proposing the designation of international terrorists to the United Nations Security Council.»
The government’s initiative, led by the Ministry of Justice and Public Security, emphasizes that those who directly or indirectly provide funds, services, or material or financial resources to designated individuals or entities will face legal consequences. The proposal also specifies that anyone financing acts aimed at causing death or serious bodily harm to civilians, with the intent to intimidate the population or compel a government or international organization, will be subject to imprisonment.
In addition to these pivotal changes, the parliamentary session also saw the approval of amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code. These revisions aim to harmonize the extradition process in accordance with international agreements and treaties involving El Salvador. The detailed stages and timelines outlined in these reforms will guide the country’s decisions on granting or rejecting extradition requests.
El Salvador’s commitment to enhancing its legal framework demonstrates a proactive approach in addressing global security concerns. By aligning domestic legislation with international resolutions, the country aims to strengthen cooperation in the global fight against terrorism and contribute to the broader efforts of the United Nations Security Council.