El Salvador has sentenced nearly 250 members of the MS-13 gang to lengthy prison terms, including one individual to 1,335 years, while South Korea's parliament has initiated an independent inquiry into the Jeju Air crash that killed 179 people. These developments highlight ongoing struggles with crime and safety in both nations.

El Salvador's Gang Sentencing
El Salvador's attorney general's office announced that 248 members of the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) street gang received sentences for their involvement in 43 homicides and 42 disappearances. The announcement did not specify the exact date of the sentencing or the trial process. Following a crackdown initiated by President Nayib Bukele in March 2022, over 90,000 individuals have been detained, with approximately 8,000 released after being found not guilty. Bukele's administration claims that this aggressive approach has led to a significant reduction in homicide rates, though human rights organizations have raised concerns over potential abuses by security forces.

The MS-13 and another gang, Barrio 18, have been implicated in the deaths of around 200,000 people over the last three decades, previously controlling a substantial portion of the country. The gangs are notorious for extorting businesses, demanding money in exchange for protection from violence. The U.S. government has classified MS-13 and similar groups as foreign terrorist organizations, further complicating international relations and security efforts in the region.

South Korea's Inquiry into Jeju Air Crash
In South Korea, an independent parliamentary committee has been established to investigate the Jeju Air crash that occurred on December 29, 2024. The Boeing 737-800, which was arriving from Bangkok, crashed at Muan International Airport, resulting in the deaths of 179 passengers and crew members. The inquiry was prompted by accusations of delays and potential cover-ups in the official investigation led by the Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board (Araib).

The parliamentary committee, composed of 18 members, is tasked with examining various aspects of the crash, including possible mismanagement related to a reported bird strike, aircraft defects, and the role of a concrete embankment that may have exacerbated the disaster. The investigation follows significant public outcry and frustration from victims' families regarding the perceived lack of transparency and accountability in the initial inquiry, which was conducted by a board reporting directly to the transport ministry, the same department responsible for airport safety.

Wrap-up
Both El Salvador and South Korea are grappling with significant issues surrounding public safety and accountability. El Salvador's aggressive measures against gang violence aim to restore order but raise human rights concerns, while South Korea's parliamentary inquiry into the Jeju Air crash reflects ongoing struggles for transparency in the wake of tragic incidents.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team