Prominent anti-corruption lawyer Ruth López was arrested by Salvadoran authorities on Sunday night, raising alarm among human rights groups. López, who leads a human rights organization focusing on corruption investigations, reportedly does not have formal charges against her yet, nor is her current location known. The Attorney General's office confirmed her arrest, labeling it an "administrative detention" linked to her past work with Eugenio Chicas, a former magistrate recently implicated in corruption charges.
López's detainment has prompted significant backlash within both El Salvador and the international community. Critics assert that President Nayib Bukele's government has adopted increasingly authoritarian measures against dissenters, particularly following Bukele's firm stance on various issues, including cooperation with the United States on immigration matters. Human rights advocates view the arrest as part of a systematic effort to silence critics and curtail freedom of expression in the country.
The recent developments have intensified concerns over the condition of democracy and rule of law in El Salvador, as the government’s actions are seen as a direct threat to activists and those advocating for accountability within the government. As nation grapples with these tensions, López’s case exemplifies the precarious state of civil liberties in the region.
