Cristosal, a notable human rights organization in El Salvador, has officially vacated its offices and relocated its entire team to neighboring countries following escalating threats and surveillance from law enforcement. Noah Bullock, the group's director, revealed the dire situation on Thursday, detailing how police intimidation led to their exodus.
The organization's work in documenting torture and other human rights violations has come under severe pressure since President Nayib Bukele imposed a state of emergency in 2022 to combat gang violence. Cristosal also revealed troubling incidents of corruption linked to Bukele's administration. “Cristosal’s closure in El Salvador marks a dangerous turning point,” warned Juanita Goebertus, Americas director at Human Rights Watch, emphasizing the chilling implications for civil society, abuse survivors, and journalistic freedoms.
Previously, Ruth López, the anti-corruption director for Cristosal, was arrested in May, prompting outcries and widespread condemnation from fellow lawyers and activists. Not long after her detention, another critic, attorney Enrique Anaya, who publicly labeled Bukele a dictator, found himself incarcerated as well. Bullock described the harassment as a “new wave of repression,” citing instances of police following and questioning staff at night.
Despite Mr. Bukele's administration enjoying bolstered relations with the United States, especially after a migration agreement from the Trump era, it has faced criticisms from both current and past U.S. officials over increasing human rights abuses. This contrast is particularly glaring as European leaders have voiced their concerns over the current situation in El Salvador, indicating a potential rift in international responses to Bukele's governance.
The organization's work in documenting torture and other human rights violations has come under severe pressure since President Nayib Bukele imposed a state of emergency in 2022 to combat gang violence. Cristosal also revealed troubling incidents of corruption linked to Bukele's administration. “Cristosal’s closure in El Salvador marks a dangerous turning point,” warned Juanita Goebertus, Americas director at Human Rights Watch, emphasizing the chilling implications for civil society, abuse survivors, and journalistic freedoms.
Previously, Ruth López, the anti-corruption director for Cristosal, was arrested in May, prompting outcries and widespread condemnation from fellow lawyers and activists. Not long after her detention, another critic, attorney Enrique Anaya, who publicly labeled Bukele a dictator, found himself incarcerated as well. Bullock described the harassment as a “new wave of repression,” citing instances of police following and questioning staff at night.
Despite Mr. Bukele's administration enjoying bolstered relations with the United States, especially after a migration agreement from the Trump era, it has faced criticisms from both current and past U.S. officials over increasing human rights abuses. This contrast is particularly glaring as European leaders have voiced their concerns over the current situation in El Salvador, indicating a potential rift in international responses to Bukele's governance.
