It is certainly a contradiction that a repression ruling is accepted by society, which has suffered from insecurity, a cancer that was corroding the Salvadorean nation and it’s being controlled since the ruling in force since March 27, it seems.

A recent poll by the Guillermo Manuel Ungo foundation showed the approval of 89.8 percent of those surveyed on the policy adopted by the State. In that sense, there is an increase from the 83.7 percent registered in June, last year.

The measure was extended with a request for a reform of the Special Anti-Extortion Law to punish with jail terms victims who are blackmailed and pay, as well as capturing the relatives of blackmailers who cover up the crime.

Still, the people support the actions, despite criticism by the opposition and human rights defense organizations which depend on the Organization of American States.

According to the Government, more than 60,500 alleged gang members and associatesare already behind bars due to the implementation of the measure, which the opposition terms unconstitutional.

The state of exception limits constitutional rights, such as freedom of movement, assembly, expression and association, as well as the confidentiality of communications, authorizes requisition of goods and allows the government to take every necessary special provision for the affected area to go back to normal.

The request to temporarily restrict constitutional guarantees passed by 67 votes in favor, six against and nine abstentions.In mid-January it should be extended again to continue backing up the general security plan that the Armed Forces and the Civilian National Police are implementing, in order to stop violence and homicides that turned El Salvador into one of the world´s most dangerous countries.

The Government today assures that it is one of the safest nations.

mh/lb