A state of emergency was approved by El Salvador’s lawmakers on Sunday after 87  killings over the weekend and a spate of gang-related violence.  

El Salvador’s Congress granted emergency powers that temporarily suspend some constitutional protections like freedom of association and the right to state-sponsored defense to crack down on criminal groups.  Authorities will also be allowed to intercept phone calls.   

On Monday El Salvador’s President Bukele ordered imprisoned gang members’ food to be reduced to two meals per day, and their mattresses seized.

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