Honduras Plans 20,000-Capacity Megaprison to Curb Violence

Honduras, under President Xiomara Castro, is initiating a plan to address the surge in violence by constructing a 20,000-capacity megaprison and implementing strategies targeting organized crime, such as 'terrorist' designations for gang members and collective trials. The new measures, similar to those in El Salvador, aim to combat crimes like drug trafficking, extortion, and kidnapping. The country, with a high homicide rate of 34 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2023, faces a declared security emergency prompting urgent interventions by security forces and police. The megaprison, to be located in the east, will significantly expand the current prison capacity in Honduras, requiring the transfer of thousands of inmates to the new facility. These efforts align with neighboring El Salvador's anti-gang campaign, despite drawing criticism from rights groups.