El Salvador’s Human Rights Group Shifts Operations to Exile
Motivations Behind Cristosal’s Exit
Escalating Repression: The organization cited increasing harassment, espionage, and defamation under President Nayib Bukele.
Choice Between Detention or Departure: Director Noah Bullock warned that a “repressive apparatus without limits” forced the group to suspend operations.
Arrest of Ruth Lopez Sparks International Alarm
Charges of Illicit Enrichment: Lopez, head of Cristosal’s anti‑corruption unit, denies accusations and describes her detention as part of a systematic pattern.
Amnesty International’s Response: The organization named Lopez a prisoner of conscience and called for immediate release.
Foreign Agents Law: The policy taxes NGO funds 30 percent, a measure Cristosal calls an instrument of authoritarian control.
Consequences for Civil Society
Reduced Oversight: Human Rights Watch warned that fewer oversight mechanisms mean weaker justice for victims.
Decline in Democratic Spaces: Bullock described the current political environment as “no longer a state governed by the rule of law.”
Continued Assistance from Abroad
Remote Operations: Cristosal will operate from Guatemala and Honduras after a quarter‑century presence in El Salvador.
Support for Migrant Families: The group assists families of Salvadorans caught in Bukele’s “war on gangs” and more than 250 Venezuelans placed in a high‑security facility funded by the United States.
Public Perception of Bukele’s Governance
Homicide Rate Drop: Despite criticisms, Bukele’s methods have popularized him at home.
Fear of Criticism: A recent survey indicated that six out of ten Salvadorans fear criticizing the president, fearing arrest or other negative consequences.
Legal and Human Rights Community Reactions
Washington Office on Latin America: The organization expressed support for Cristosal and other civil society groups facing harassment.
Human Rights Watch’s Statement: Juanita Goebertus, Americas director, highlighted the cost of fewer spaces for dissent.
