# Lawyers struggle to defend hundreds in El Salvador’s mass trials

https://mins.news/en/item/90200

- Al Jazeera, 2026-10-07 18:26 UTC
- Politics
- Original: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/10/7/in-el-salvadors-mass-trials-lawyers-struggle-to-defend-hundreds?traffic_source=rss

> Human Rights Watch says El Salvador’s mass trials have involved widespread violations, with hundreds of defendants tried together. Lawyers interviewed for its report said they struggled to access case files and speak privately with clients, undermining their ability to defend them. The report cites vague charges, weak evidence and convictions based in some cases on anonymous witnesses.