La Mano Dura (original) (raw)

La Mano Dura ("Firm Hand" or "Iron Fist") is a set of tough-on-crime policies put in place by the Salvadoran government in response to the problem of gang violence. These policies were put in place in response to popular calls for the government to do something about the problem of rampant crime, and have enjoyed consistent popular support. They have come under criticism, however, for the continued high levels of violence in El Salvador and human rights concerns.