Renowned Salvadoran attorney Ruth López, an outspoken critic of President Nayib Bukele’s administration known for exposing alleged government corruption, was arrested by authorities late Sunday night. A leading figure in a human rights organization, López currently heads the group's anti-corruption and justice unit but has not been formally charged, with her whereabouts still unclear as of Monday.
The attorney general's office confirmed the arrest, describing it as an “administrative detention” connected to her role as a close advisor to Eugenio Chicas, a former government official and the ex-president of the country’s supreme electoral tribunal, who was detained earlier this year under allegations of illicit enrichment. Officials claim that López played a part in misappropriating government funds, leading to backlash from human rights advocates asserting that such allegations are baseless and politically motivated.
Her detention has sparked widespread condemnation both domestically and internationally as numerous rights groups fear this is part of a broader pattern of intimidation and silencing of dissenters. Critics note that Bukele has become increasingly emboldened in recent months, particularly following a controversial agreement with the Trump administration that saw the detention and deportation of migrants from the United States.
The arrest of López indicates a deepening crisis for civil liberties in El Salvador, where the government has been criticized for its heavy-handed tactics against opposition figures, journalists, and activists. As support for Bukele has grown, so too has anxiety among those brave enough to voice concerns about his governance, with López’s situation serving as a stark reminder of the risks faced by those who dare to challenge authority.
