A recent episode of “60 Minutes” titled “Inside CECOT” has ignited a viral debate online, despite attempts by CBS’s editor-in-chief, Bari Weiss, to suppress its broadcast. The segment uncovers harrowing testimonies from US deportees who endured torture and abuse inside a notorious Salvadoran prison, the Center for the Confinement of Terrorism. One former inmate described arriving there as entering “hell,” while the report also features a clip of former President Donald Trump praising the facility’s “great” and “very strong” conditions.

Weiss withdrew the segment unexpectedly, citing concerns over the absence of certain voices—specifically, officials from the Trump administration. She argued that the story lacked depth and simply reiterated existing reports, claiming it was not ready for broadcast. However, the controversy has only fueled public interest, leading to a resurgence of the segment’s circulation online, reminiscent of the old LimeWire days of file sharing. Experts note that suppressing such stories can backfire, fueling distrust and spreading information through unofficial channels.

This incident raises questions about editorial independence and the power of online communities to share impactful journalism—especially when mainstream outlets attempt censorship. As the segment circulates unofficially, viewers are left to consider the broader implications of media control and transparency in reporting on human rights abuses.

David Nield

Dave is a freelance tech journalist with over 20 years covering gadgets, apps, and the web. From Stockport, England, he covers news, features, and reviews for TechRadar, focusing on phones, tablets, and wearables. He ensures top weekend breaking news and has bylines at Gizmodo, T3, PopSci, and others. He edited PC Explorer and The Hardware Handbook for years. Read me on x.com or linkedin.