In a significant move signaling escalating repressive tactics in El Salvador, the renowned human rights group Cristosal has vacated its offices, with all staff relocating to neighboring nations. This decision comes amidst increasing threats and harassment faced by employees at the hands of the police, as revealed by Cristosal's director, Noah Bullock. The organization, known for its investigations into torture and extrajudicial abuses under President Nayib Bukele’s leadership, particularly during a state of emergency declared in 2022 targeting gang activity, has found itself under severe pressure.
"The closure of Cristosal represents a perilous shift in the landscape for human rights in El Salvador," commented Juanita Goebertus, Americas director for Human Rights Watch. It sends a discouraging message to both the victims of abuse and to those in civil society attempting to uphold justice and transparency. While efforts from various quarters, including European leaders, have criticized human rights abuses in El Salvador, the Salvadoran government's response has been notably silent.
The atmosphere of intimidation heightened after the arrest of Ruth López, Cristosal’s anti-corruption director, who remains behind bars. Subsequent to her detention, fellow attorney Enrique Anaya, known for denouncing López's arrest and speaking against Bukele's authoritarian tendencies, was also apprehended. Bullock reported that instances of surveillance and nightly visits by police to Cristosal employees have surged, indicating a worrisome trend of increased repression.
This advancement in tensions comes despite a newfound rapport between the Bukele administration and the United States, primarily fueled by agreements to handle migrants previously deported under the Trump administration. While the Biden administration has expressed concern over human rights violations under Bukele, the former administration has remained reticent in addressing these emerging threats, presenting a complex dynamic in the international response to El Salvador's current government.
"The closure of Cristosal represents a perilous shift in the landscape for human rights in El Salvador," commented Juanita Goebertus, Americas director for Human Rights Watch. It sends a discouraging message to both the victims of abuse and to those in civil society attempting to uphold justice and transparency. While efforts from various quarters, including European leaders, have criticized human rights abuses in El Salvador, the Salvadoran government's response has been notably silent.
The atmosphere of intimidation heightened after the arrest of Ruth López, Cristosal’s anti-corruption director, who remains behind bars. Subsequent to her detention, fellow attorney Enrique Anaya, known for denouncing López's arrest and speaking against Bukele's authoritarian tendencies, was also apprehended. Bullock reported that instances of surveillance and nightly visits by police to Cristosal employees have surged, indicating a worrisome trend of increased repression.
This advancement in tensions comes despite a newfound rapport between the Bukele administration and the United States, primarily fueled by agreements to handle migrants previously deported under the Trump administration. While the Biden administration has expressed concern over human rights violations under Bukele, the former administration has remained reticent in addressing these emerging threats, presenting a complex dynamic in the international response to El Salvador's current government.
