Ernesto Muyshondt.
SANTA TECLA, El Salvador — A Salvadoran court sentenced several prominent political figures Tuesday for negotiating with gangs, delivering some of the harshest rulings in recent electoral corruption cases.
The First Sentencing Court of San Salvador handed former mayor Ernesto Luis Muyshondt García-Prieto an 18-year prison term for electoral fraud and illicit association tied to 2014–2015 gang negotiations.
Ernesto Muyshondt is already serving a four-year sentence for neglecting duties while mayor of the Capital city.
Former Security Minister Benito Lara and former Interior Minister Arístides Valencia each received 28-year sentences. Journalist Paolo Lüers and political operator Wilson Alvarado were sentenced to 18 years apiece.
Prosecutors said the defendants sought political gains by offering financial and material benefits to leaders of the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) and Barrio 18 gangs during elections.
Protected witness “Noé” testified that Muyshondt delivered $138,000 to criminal groups in exchange for gang-controlled communities’ votes in presidential and municipal elections.
Muyshondt admitted to holding meetings on behalf of the Arena party but denied paying gangs. Judges rejected that claim, calling it “absurd” to believe he attended unknowingly.
The court stressed that visible tattoos, behavior, and speech patterns made gang affiliations unmistakable. Judges emphasized that political parties prioritized power over national security when negotiating with violent groups.
“They gave money, jobs, reintegration programs, and reduced police operations,” the ruling stated. In return, gangs intimidated communities and directed votes toward party candidates.
The court found that at least 17 meetings occurred with MS-13 and Barrio 18 leaders. Parties sought guarantees of electoral victories for both local and national races.
The Attorney General’s Office stated that the negotiations occurred during the presidential campaigns of Norman Quijano and Salvador Sánchez Cerén, emphasizing the bipartisan involvement in the illicit deals.
The verdict highlights El Salvador’s longstanding struggle with political deals made behind closed doors, where leaders have sought power at the expense of public safety and democratic integrity.
