Mass trial of gang members in El Salvador

The trial is a centerpiece of President Nayib Bukele's sweeping crackdown on organized crime, which has seen tens of thousands arrested under a state of emergency.

Inmates were shown on large television screens, shackled and shaved, as prosecutors presented evidence of systematic torture and extortion.

While the government credits the measures with sharply reducing the national murder rate, human rights groups have warned of due process violations and mass arbitrary detentions.

The proceedings are expected to take several months given the unprecedented number of defendants.