El Salvador's Government Detains Prominent Anti-Corruption Lawyer

The detention of Ruth López, a notable anti-corruption lawyer in El Salvador, raises significant concerns about government repression, as human rights advocates criticize President Nayib Bukele's actions taken against critics.

Ruth López, a prominent lawyer in El Salvador advocating against government corruption, was detained by authorities on Sunday evening, according to a statement from her employer, a human rights organization. As of Monday, López had yet to be formally charged, and her whereabouts remained unknown. The attorney general's office confirmed her "administrative detention," indicating it was related to her previous work alongside Eugenio Chicas, a former official accused of illicit enrichment.

Chicas, who previously held significant positions including president of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, was arrested in February, underlining concerns over the government's crackdown on dissent. The attorney general's office alleged that López collaborated in the misappropriation of state funds. This arrest has sparked outrage from human rights groups and experts both nationally and internationally, asserting that President Bukele's administration is increasingly aggressive towards its critics, especially following his partnership with President Trump that has involved tightening immigration policies.

Human rights advocates warn that the detention of López—a key figure in investigating alleged corruption within Bukele's government—signals a dangerous shift in El Salvador’s political landscape, as authorities appear emboldened to silence those who oppose them. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with calls for López’s immediate release echoing across social media platforms.