Gang violence rules many streets in El Salvador, but these
men are kings of their own domain - behind the prison walls at Penas
Ciudad Barrios
Body of art: These men bear the notorious facial and body tattoos of gang members
With the notorious facial and body tattoos of gang members, these
photographs show some of the most feared criminals in Central America.
The tattoos detail their extensive crimes, which include weapon and drug dealing and murder.
But these intimidating men hold their fear over others by running the very prison in which El Salvador has incarcerated them.
Feared faces: These photographs show some of the most feared criminals in Central America
Storytelling: The tattoos detail their extensive crimes, which include weapon and drug dealing and murder
Rulers of rage: These intimidating men hold their fear over others by running the prison they're held in
The Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang rule Penas Ciudad Barrios, a mini-nation of 2,500 behind the walls of a prison building.
They
have a bakery, workshops, hospital and rehab, but the guards stay out
of the way, keeping what they can of the peace from outside the gates.
The
maximum security prisoners, housed in San Salvador, were captured by
Adam Hinton, a photographer from London who was given freedom in 2013 to
snap the prison and Las Victorias, the area of San Salvador which their
families call home.
Gang of guys: The Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang rule Penas Ciudad Barrios
Population prison: The men number a mini-nation of 2,500 behind the walls of a prison building
Self sufficient: They have a bakery, workshops, hospital and rehab
Adam explains: "The prison was built for 800 and now houses more than 2,500.
"As
you enter the prison you soon realise there are no guards around. They
only stay on the outside and let the gang run the joint, which they do
very well given the conditions.
"For almost a year now, there has been a truce between the gangs in El Salvador, the MS and the 18 Street gang, or B18.
Climate of fear: The guards stay out of the way, keeping what they can of the peace from outside the gates
Overcrowded: The prison was built for 800 and now houses more than 2,500
Country of crime: Gang violence is a major concern in El Salvador
"As the leaders of MS are mainly incarcerated at the prison, it has become a focus of the negotiations."
Gang violence is a major concern in the country.
From January to August, El Salvador recorded 4,246 homicides, an average of 17.5 a day.
MS-13 by Adam Hinton is published by Paul Belford ltd, £25.More details on the publisher's website. See more of Adam's work here.
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