The prominent Salvadoran human rights organization Cristosal has announced the closure of its offices in El Salvador, with its staff members relocating to neighboring countries in response to escalating threats and acts of harassment from police. The announcement was made by Noah Bullock, the organization's director, revealing a dire situation for those advocating for human rights within the country.
Cristosal has been at the forefront of documenting severe human rights abuses under President Nayib Bukele, particularly during the state of emergency that began in 2022, which was aimed at tackling gang violence. In addition to exposing torture and other forms of abuse, the organization has raised alarms about corruption within the Bukele administration.
Juanita Goebertus, the Americas director at Human Rights Watch, emphasized the gravity of Cristosal's closure, asserting that it sends a dangerous message to survivors of abuse and those in civil society and the press about the repercussions of opposing power and condemning corruption and human rights violations.
The Salvadoran government did not provide any commentary regarding this distressing development. The situation became more critical in May when Ruth López, Cristosal’s anti-corruption director and a prominent lawyer, was arrested and remains in custody. Following her detention, another lawyer, Enrique Anaya, who openly criticized Bukele, was also apprehended.
Noah Bullock reported that personnel from Cristosal had been subjected to surveillance and unexpected visits from police, describing a new atmosphere of repression. These developments come as President Bukele's administration has reportedly fortified its ties with the United States following agreements to handle migrant deportations from the Trump era. While the Biden administration has noted human rights concerns regarding Bukele’s government, the Trump administration has not responded to the ongoing arrests, even as leaders in Europe have voiced their concerns.
