Human rights groups are condemning the treatment of gang member inmates in El Salvador – after images and videos emerged of hundreds of prisoners stripped to their underwear and pressed closely together in formation, as a punishment for an outbreak in homicides.

The punishment stands in direct contrast to social distancing measures in place in El Salvador and around the world to fight COVID-19, but the orders came from President Nayib Bukele’s office following a spate of gang-related killings.

Take a look at the images and hear what both sides have to say.