These illicit groups are governed by a series of precepts, but in accordance with their convenience and criminal nature.
Tegucigalpa. Although they are well-organized illicit associations in terms of their structure, self-sustaining with funds from their criminal actions and whose presence transcends regional borders, these groups, like any other social group, are governed by codes as well as disciplinary rules, but in accordance with their convenience and criminal nature.
Maras and gangs are a social phenomenon with almost universal reach, but with more incidence in those nations that make up the Northern Triangle of Central America, that is, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras, where their actions are responsible for high rates of violence due to multiple homicides. as well as the forced displacement of entire families.
Historically, there are two large criminal gangs on Catracho soil, which are rivals and are in a constant dispute with "blood and fire" for territorial supremacy, regardless of whether in this fight they die "righteous as sinners."
A report prepared by the Insight Crime Organized Crime Investigation Center in conjunction with the Association for a More Just Society (ASJ) details the precepts and regulations of these fearsome groups.
Loose or lacking strength
Barrio 18 is a gang that has a weak or weak code, which in general terms serves to keep the youngest members in line, thus preventing them from stealing or betraying the organization.
Respecting the neighborhood is the number one and essential rule of this gang, but in practice there is a certain room for maneuver, where the member of the 18 must always obey, offer all their services and take the side of the group.
The above also means that if the gang leader wants something to happen, it has to be done; If a partner is in trouble, the other members must help him; Snitches or now known as "toads" are punishable by death and revealing secrets can lead to harsher disciplinary measures.
"The ambiguous nature of the code and the arbitrary way in which it is applied can in some circumstances mean a total dismissal of it by the gang, which could help explain the 18's reputation as an undisciplined and violent gang," he emphasizes. the report.
Restrictions
On the other hand, there are restrictions on the type of drugs that its members can consume, who can only drink alcohol and use marijuana when they are not on duty.
Although crack and powder cocaine are prohibited, their leaders often use these drugs with impunity, contravening their own rules.
Failure to comply, doing a task or assignment incorrectly, or breaking one of the rules is known as a "check", which could result in a warm-up or better known as a beating.
The document maintains that "the 18th code requires its members to resist security forces with as much force as possible when facing arrest.
But murdering someone from another criminal group requires permission from the leadership, as does murdering someone who doesn't pay extortion charges and others who cross the gang's path in some way. Clothing
As for their clothing, these gang members do not have an official code, but they are known for using certain styles such as wearing Nike Cortez-style sneakers and long sashes that hang on the left side of their bodies.
Currently, the most used means for identification is somewhat restricted, that is, tattoos, since new members do not mark themselves or use ink on their skin, but when they agree to get tattoos they do them subtly, hidden and often even encoded.
Codes and rules
Currently, the most used means for identification is somewhat restricted, that is, tattoos, since new members do not mark themselves or use ink on their skin, but when they agree to get tattoos they do them subtly, hidden and often even encoded.
stricter
Meanwhile, the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) differs with its opponent, since the codes of discipline and internal rules are stricter regarding behavior, but coincide in the consumption and prohibition of the same drugs.
Community support is essential for this association to the extent that they are working hard to earn it, which is facilitated since its leaders are more static, they know their neighbors, local political and religious leaders.
"MS-13 does not openly confront authorities and when captured by police or other security forces officials, they submit; this relatively benign reputation does not mean that they do not engage in acts of cruelty and excessive punishment." , indicates the publication that had the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
The most serious offense for these gang members and one that is paid for with life is relating to the enemy, which can occur in two ways, either being an active member of a rival gang or passing information to the authorities or even to adversaries.
In the case of women, they are prohibited from participating in the organization, who are excluded from any illicit activity except for passing messages, making cell phone calls, selling minor drugs or transporting other products and goods to and from the prisons.
