El Salvador: Bukele Critic & Human Rights Lawyer Detained
- El Salvador authorities have arrested Ruth Eleonora López, a prominent human rights attorney and head of the anti-corruption program at Cristosal, a human rights nonprofit.
- Prosecutors accuse López of collaborating in the theft of state funds during her time in the government of former President Salvador Sánchez Cerén.
- López has been an outspoken critic of Bukele, especially regarding the state of emergency declared three years ago to crack down on gangs.
El Salvador authorities have arrested human rights attorney Ruth Eleonora López, a vocal critic of President Nayib bukele, sparking international outcry and raising serious concerns about the nation’s human rights record. López’s arrest, which Cristosal, were she works, calls politically motivated, stems from accusations of collaborating in the theft of state funds. The detention has prompted condemnation from U.S. Representative Gregory Meeks, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch. López’s outspoken criticism of Bukele, especially regarding the state of emergency and the imprisonment of tens of thousands, has made her a prominent figure. Breaking news from El Salvador, and many other countries, like this, is reported daily at News Directory 3.Discover what’s next as the situation unfolds.
El Salvador arrests Human Rights Attorney Ruth López, Sparking Outcry
Updated May 31, 2025
El Salvador authorities have arrested Ruth Eleonora López, a prominent human rights attorney and head of the anti-corruption program at Cristosal, a human rights nonprofit. The arrest occured at her home in San Salvador late sunday.
Prosecutors accuse López of collaborating in the theft of state funds during her time in the government of former President Salvador Sánchez Cerén. Cristosal officials, however, contend that the charges are politically motivated, representing a systematic effort to criminalize human rights defenders under President Nayib Bukele.
López has been an outspoken critic of Bukele, especially regarding the state of emergency declared three years ago to crack down on gangs. This state of emergency has led to the imprisonment of approximately 85,000 people and suspended civil liberties. López and Cristosal argue that tens of thousands of innocent individuals have been unfairly detained. Her work promoting political clarity and citizen accountability earned her recognition as one of the BBC’s 100 most influential women.
The arrest of the anti-corruption activist has drawn condemnation from U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., who expressed concern about El Salvador’s authoritarian trajectory. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch also demanded López’s release, citing a pervasive surroundings of fear that threatens freedoms in the country.
Cristosal stated they are unaware of López’s whereabouts, adding, “The authorities’ refusal to disclose her location or to allow access to her legal representatives is a blatant violation of due process, the right to legal defense and international standards of judicial protection.”
What’s next
The situation remains tense as international organizations and U.S. lawmakers call for López’s release and express concerns about the state of human rights and political transparency in El Salvador under President Bukele.