Inside the “world’s scariest prison” where 40,000 murderers are held, prison guards must cover their faces to avoid reprisals

The atmosphere inside this infamous prison makes anyone suffocate.

In response to the gangs, the El Salvador government opened the Center for Terrorist Detention (CECOT) in 2023. Since then, the facility has been dubbed the “world’s scariest prison”, with 8 buildings in the area and can accommodate up to 40,000 inmates. In particular, the centralized and highly secure management method has attracted international attention.

Japan’s TBS TV reported that security measures at the “Terrorist Detention Center” are extremely tight. Before entering the facility, visitors must undergo multiple security checks, including airport screening and CT scans. Even mobile phone signals are strictly controlled, and personal items such as wedding rings and passports must be stored at the management office. In addition, all prison guards and soldiers stationed at the center are required to cover their faces to avoid reprisals if their identities are revealed.

The notorious prison holds a record number of crimes

There is a large arsenal inside the prison equipped with a variety of battlefield-grade guns to deal with possible prisoner riots or attacks from the outside. The entire center is protected by an elite team of 1,000 police officers and 600 soldiers on duty 24/7 to ensure the safety of the facility.

Each dormitory houses about 100 inmates. They were asked to shave their heads and wear uniforms. Most of these prisoners had gang tattoos and most were young men in their 20s. According to the El Salvador government, all detainees are involved in major criminal cases such as murder and kidnapping.

Rare images inside the center

A journalist who had the opportunity to visit CNN’s “world’s scariest prison” described: “Sunlight flooded into the vast building. The towering ceilings and polished floors look like a train station or hangar. But the air was quiet and extremely suffocating. Along the sides of the long corridor are large pre-built cages, each containing dozens of men looking out. This is CECOT – El Salvador’s Terrorist Detention Center – and these men are called “the worst of the worst”. They are serial killers, drug dealers and gangsters.”

Local gangs have been rampant in El Salvador for years, severely affecting social security. Since taking office in 2019, incumbent President Nayib Armando Bukele Ortez has launched a large-scale crackdown on gangs. Notably, there is an investigation that has arrested about 80,000 people involved in one go. The results of these efforts are noteworthy as they have reduced the number of homicides in El Salvador to record levels in just a few years.

Source: TBS, CNN