Leading human rights group exits El Salvador

El Salvador's most prominent human rights group says it's been forced into exile, citing threats and harassment from the government of President Nayib Bukele.

Leading human rights group leaves El Salvador amid threats

Cristosal, the leading human rights group in El Salvador, announced its departure from the country due to escalating threats and government harassment. Founded by Evangelical bishops to tackle human rights concerns, the organization has documented abuses for 25 years. The group claims that the government of President Nayib Bukele has engaged in legal harassment, spying, and defamation campaigns against them. Following the imprisonment of activist Ruth López, Cristosal has chosen to continue its work from exile in neighboring Guatemala and Honduras. This exit adds to a wider trend of human rights activists fleeing El Salvador, raising serious concerns about the country's democratic future.

The departure of Cristosal signals a troubling trend in El Salvador, where government repression is pushing human rights defenders out of the country. Bukele’s administration, while claiming to enhance security, faces accusations of severe rights violations and oppressive tactics against dissent. This situation not only threatens democracy but also raises alarms internationally about the state of civil society in Central America. Observers must watch closely as experts warn that a country losing its human rights organizations is headed for deeper unrest.

Highlights

The implications of this exodus could resonate beyond El Salvador's borders.