Locked up and forgotten


Vega (seen in reflection) looking at a photo of his son, who disappeared into a prison in 2022 and died recently, in Salinas de Sisiguayo, El Salvador. — Daniele Volpe/The New York Times

JOSE Alfredo Vega’s parents said they were able to identify his body only because of a childhood scar. Otherwise, the corpse was swollen beyond recognition.

“He was OK when he left,” said his father, Miguel Angel Vega, recalling the night nearly three years ago when police barged into their home and took away his son. “He was healthy.”

Unlock 30% Savings on Ad-Free Access Now!

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month
RM9.73 only

Billed as RM9.73 for the 1st month then RM13.90 thereafters.

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month
RM8.63/month

Billed as RM103.60 for the 1st year then RM148 thereafters.

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Focus

Desert cavalry holds the line
Boat dwellers struggle to stay afloat
A cut above the rest
Wings of defiance
Jumbo problem, smart solution
Inside the ‘chill capital’ of China
Action plan, constitutional protection needed to uphold Orang Asli rights, says Suhakam
Planting the seeds of change
The US is dooming the UN
‘All we want is a loaf of bread’

Others Also Read