Free Republic

A Salvadoran human rights organization says at least 500 people have died in state custody since President Nayib Bukele launched his anti-gang offensive four years ago, with the vast majority having no ties to criminal groups. Socorro Jurídico Humanitario released the findings Friday as the state of emergency that underpins the crackdown reached its fourth anniversary. The group, which works with families of detainees, based its tally on testimonies, medical records and other unofficial sources. It said 94 percent of those who died were not gang members. The state of emergency began March 27, 2022, after a spike in gang...

THE effects of President Donald Trump’s orders halting the United States’ refugee-assistance and overseas-aid programmes are already being felt, as charities lay off staff and slash support services. Episcopal Migration Ministries, an arm of the Episcopal Church in the US, which had a contract with the US government to help to settle refugees, is making 22 staff redundant after the new President’s first-day executive order halting the country’s refugee-resettlement programme. The Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, Dr Sean Rowe, announced the “painful” decision. Writing to church leaders, he said: “These departing employees have every reason to be angry, frustrated...