– Trapped by violence –
The deaths have unleashed criticisms of the government’s military-led security policy. Hernandez launched this iron-fisted approach to crime after taking power on January 27.
The president has said the country is already starting to see a change, with fewer murders. But human rights groups dispute this.
An average of 86 children and youths under the age of 23 have been killed per month since January 27.
That is 6.2 percent more than under the previous government, says Casa Alianza, an NGO that works to protect children.
Guadalupe Ruelas, director of Casa Alianza, told AFP there is “suspicion that there is a pattern of social cleansing” in which government authorities might be involved.
Furthermore, many minors are forced by gangs to collect extortion payments and killed if they refuse.
Bertha Oliva, coordinator of Committee of Relatives of Missing Detainees, said the new leader’s first 100 days had been “shaped by the killing of children.”
But Hernandez rejects the criticism.
“Criminals now know they are surrounded, they know there is little they can do, they know that many of their bosses are being captured,” he said. “If there are consequences, we will face them.”
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