The fearsome visages of Central America’s most perilous gang were transmitted to the courtroom from within the confines of a cutting-edge supermax penitentiary.

Almost 500 suspected affiliates of the infamous Mara Salvatrucha gang, commonly known as MS-13, participated in a groundbreaking collective trial through video conferencing.

Officials in El Salvador allege that the syndicate is accountable for a staggering 47,000 offenses, which include 29,000 homicides committed from 2012 to 2022.

The defendants, appearing remotely from the highly secure Counter-Terrorism Confinement Center, are charged with attempting to establish a “parallel state,” as stated by the Attorney General’s Office.

Suspected members of the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) seen during a virtual court session via video conferencing

Individuals affiliated with MS-13 during a remote collective court hearing

Approximately 490 alleged associates, including their leaders, are being jointly tried

The accused observed the proceedings via video link from the mega-prison Counter-Terrorism Confinement Center in Tecoluca, El Salvador