This article proposes that, since the amnesty law of El Salvador was invalidated by a constitutional decision in July 2016, the country faces a new historical, political and legal opportunity to address the impunity of serious crimes committed during the armed conflict that took place between 1980 and 1992. Improvements in accountability for past atrocities would benefit the fight against impunity of the present. Emblematic trials, if done well, could change the official narratives of negation and forgetfulness, and provide proper recognition to victims.
