Human Rights Defender’s Arrest in El Salvador Triggers International Criticism
Salvadoran lawyer Ruth Lopez. Photo: EFE
May 20, 2025 Hour: 8:13 am
The Center Against Corruption and Impunity in Northern Central America condemned the detention of lawyer Ruth Lopez.
On Monday, the Center Against Corruption and Impunity in Northern Central America (CCINOC) condemned the arrest of lawyer Ruth Lopez and the attacks against Cristosal, an organization specializing in the defense of the human rights of victims of various types of violence in El Salvador.
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Previously, on Sunday, El Salvador’s Attorney General’s Office (FGR) arrested Ruth Lopez, head of Cristosal’s Anti-Corruption and Justice team, on suspicion of embezzlement. Her detention has sparked international criticism, as Lopez has been an outspoken critic of President Nayib Bukele.
Below is the statement from CCINOC rejecting the arrest of this prominent Salvadoran human rights defender and anti-corruption lawyer.
“The Center Against Corruption and Impunity in Northern Central America (CCINOC) strongly condemns the attacks and arbitrary actions carried out in recent weeks against Cristosal in El Salvador. These actions represent serious setbacks in the exercise of democracy and in the respect for fundamental freedoms that must prevail in a pluralistic and rule-of-law-based state.
In particular, the organizations that make up CCINOC express our strong condemnation of the arrest of Ruth Lopez, human rights defender and head of the Anti-Corruption and Justice team at Cristosal, a civil society organization that is part of this platform.
Her detention is part of a worrying, systematic strategy of criminalization against human rights defenders, driven by the government of Nayib Bukele. This policy not only undermines democratic institutions but also suppresses critical and dissenting voices that are essential in any democratic society.
We support the courageous and committed work that Cristosal continues to carry out despite ongoing attacks on civic space in El Salvador. Its work denouncing human rights violations in prisons and government corruption is a vital contribution to justice and the promotion of transparency in El Salvador.
We join the urgent call from the national and international community to ensure the physical integrity and due process rights of Ruth Lopez. We demand an immediate end to all forms of persecution and criminalization of those who defend human rights and fight against corruption in El Salvador.
At CCINOC, we firmly reiterate our commitment to defending democracy, protecting civic space, and strengthening the rule of law in northern Central America. There will be no true justice or development as long as those who dare to speak out for truth and dignity are silenced and persecuted.”
teleSUR/ JF
Source: CCINOC