El Salvador Lawyer Demands Public Trial | Human Rights
Ruth Eleonora López, an el Salvador human rights lawyer, is demanding a public trial after being charged with illegal enrichment. Arrested on May 18, López, a vocal critic of President Bukele, claims the charges are politically motivated, a important concern for civil liberties. Prosecutors seek her imprisonment for six months pending trial. The closed-door hearing sparked international scrutiny, with groups like Cristosal alleging retaliation for López’s anti-corruption work. News Directory 3 is following developments closely. The case raises questions about due process amidst the ongoing state of emergency. Discover what’s next as the legal battle unfolds.
El Salvador Human Rights Lawyer demands Public Trial
Updated June 5, 2025
San Salvador, El Salvador — Ruth Eleonora López, a lawyer for the human rights organization Cristosal and a vocal critic of President Nayib Bukele, demanded a public trial Wednesday as she appeared before a judge. Prosecutors are seeking to charge her with illegal enrichment and requested she be jailed for six months pending trial. The case has drawn scrutiny amid concerns about the state of emergency and it’s impact on civil liberties.
López was arrested May 18. Critics suggest the charges are retaliation for her work, while authorities claim she aided a former employer accused of embezzlement. López denies the accusations. The hearing was closed to the public.
Escorted by police, López, holding a Bible, declared, “they’re not going to silence me, I want a public trial,” according to a video posted by Cristosal. “The people have to know.”
Defense attorney Pedro Cruz voiced disagreement with the decision to seal the case,asserting that prosecutors fear their accusation is unfounded.
López’s initial court appearance occurred more than two weeks after her arrest. Prosecutors announced the illegal enrichment charge at that hearing and requested her detention during the inquiry.
Cristosal has been critical of bukele’s policies, including the state of emergency, which restricts rights and has led to approximately 86,000 arrests. López heads Cristosal’s Anti-Corruption Unit, which has investigated government corruption.
Mary Lawlor, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, stated she was closely monitoring López’s hearing and called for her release and guaranteed due process.
The alleged wrongdoing dates back to López’s time as an adviser to Eugenio Chicas, former president of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal during the governance of President Salvador Sánchez Cerén.
“Ruth has dedicated her life to the defense of human rights and the fight against corruption,” Cristosal said in a statement. “Hers is not an isolated case: it is part of a pattern of criminalization against critical voices.”
What’s next
The legal proceedings against López are ongoing, with the defense seeking to challenge the charges and ensure a fair and transparent trial. International observers continue to monitor the case, raising concerns about human rights and due process in El Salvador.