“The partial state of exception will enter into force on Tuesday, December 6 at 6 pm for thirty daysto promote the gradual activity of economic development, investment, trade and in public spaces,” said the Secretary of Security in a statement.
The measure, which is expected to be endorsed later in a session of the council of ministers, is part of a project by the administration of President Xiomara Castro, to deal with the violent gangs Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18, as well as other criminal gangs. .
The plan to fight criminal groups was adopted by the Government amid pressure from businessmen, transporters, residents and non-governmental organizations that ensure that extortion has increased in recent months.
The non-governmental Association for a Just Society (ASJ), which investigates security issues, ensures that extortion generates annual profits equivalent to 737 million dollarsalmost 3% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country.