30th Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum – The New Attorney General’s Office
The Honorable Attorney General Rodolfo Delgado explained that the Salvadoran Constitution allows the State to implement exceptional measures when facing imminent threats to national security, as occurred during a period of intense gang violence. He emphasized that criminal organizations in El Salvador possessed hierarchical command structures and controlled communities, effectively determining the fate of citizens. In response, the State strengthened control measures and expanded the doctrine of collective criminal responsibility to address these threats, which he described not as a regression but as an evolution in criminal law aligned with constitutional and international standards.
Attorney General Delgado highlighted that these reforms present challenges, especially regarding human rights guarantees, but insisted that the criminal model seeks to balance accountability with respect for human dignity. He then described the transformation of the Attorney General’s Office, noting that before his arrival it was compromised by political interests, lacked institutional development, and suffered from weak infrastructure, low investment, and internal mistrust.
Upon taking office, he prioritized restoring the institution’s original constitutional mission—defending the interests of the State and society. He reestablished close cooperation with the National Police and the Armed Forces, promoting an investigation model based on trust and institutional harmony rather than isolation. Delgado underscored the importance of investing in human capital, improving working conditions, raising salaries, and strengthening training programs for prosecutors.
He detailed major infrastructure investments and the ongoing digital transformation of the Attorney General’s Office, positioning it as a regional reference in prosecutorial effectiveness. Delgado reaffirmed that the State’s principal enemy remains gang structures and pledged to pursue justice for all detained individuals through lawful and objective investigations. He concluded by emphasizing that the goal of these reforms is to guarantee constitutional rights—such as life, liberty, and security—for all Salvadorans. He stressed that prosecutors must continue serving victims, combatting other forms of crime including drug trafficking and sexual offenses, and contributing to building a safer and more just society for future generations.
