The human rights organization Cristosal has ceased operations in El Salvador due to heightened threats and harassment from authorities under President Nayib Bukele's regime. The closure raises concerns about the implications for civil society and human rights advocacy in the country.
Cristosal, Key Human Rights Organization, Leaves El Salvador Amid Growing Threats
Cristosal, Key Human Rights Organization, Leaves El Salvador Amid Growing Threats
Amid increasing threats and police surveillance, the well-known Salvadoran human rights organization Cristosal has shut down its operations in El Salvador, with its team relocating to neighboring countries.
The well-respected human rights organization Cristosal has officially withdrawn from El Salvador, relocating its staff to nearby countries in response to escalating threats and intimidation from law enforcement. This alarming transition was detailed by Noah Bullock, the organization's director, who highlighted the precarious situation its employees have faced, including being closely monitored and harassed by police forces.
Established to combat abuse and corruption, Cristosal has been instrumental in documenting instances of torture and human rights violations prevalent during President Nayib Bukele’s administration, particularly during the ongoing state of emergency implemented in 2022 to suppress gang-related activities. The group has faced intensifying hostility as it sought to educate the public and the international community about serious abuses under Bukele’s rule.
Juanita Goebertus of Human Rights Watch expressed profound concern over Cristosal’s closure, labeling it a severe setback for human rights in the region. "It serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by those who challenge systemic injustices in El Salvador," she stated. The Salvadoran government's response to this closure has been notably absent, with officials not commenting on the issue.
The crackdown on human rights advocates has further intensified following the incarceration of Ruth López, Cristosal's anti-corruption chief, who was arrested in May, as well as the detention of Enrique Anaya, another lawyer who criticized the government. These actions reflect a broader pattern of repression that has created an environment of fear among activists and journalists in the country.
Internationally, while the U.S. has maintained a complicated relationship with Bukele’s government—particularly following agreements related to immigration—voices from Europe have increasingly condemned the human rights abuses occurring in El Salvador. The lack of response from current U.S. officials draws into question the commitment to human rights in the context of bilateral agreements.
As Cristosal's mission faces unprecedented challenges, the future of human rights advocacy in El Salvador hangs in precarious balance, leaving many to wonder what has become of freedom and justice in a nation struggling under authoritarian governance.
