José Duval Mata, a 26-year-old tractor driver from El Salvador, has been held in one of the world’s harshest prisons for over two years, despite two judges ordering his release. His mother, Marcela Alvarado, has not heard from him since his detention.
Mata was arrested during a massive government crackdown on gangs, even though he has always denied any gang affiliation. His case has been highlighted by the BBC, which has appealed to various Salvadoran officials, including President Nayib Bukele, but no action has been taken.
Mata was initially detained under a broad “gang association” charge. His mother gathered documents to prove his innocence, but they were ignored. After briefly being released in September 2022, he was rearrested at the prison gates on the same charges, a practice criticized as illegal.
Despite another judge’s order to free him in June 2023, Mata remains in Cecot, El Salvador’s notorious maximum-security prison, which is infamous for its harsh conditions. President Bukele’s administration has been praised for its tough stance on crime but criticized for human rights abuses.
The BBC has persistently pursued the case, but the Salvadoran government has not acted. Marcela Alvarado remains hopeful but is deeply distressed, fearing her son may have died in prison. She continues to trust that he will one day be released, clinging to faith as her only hope.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9wjk00dj5ro