Human Rights Group Cristosal Relocates Amid Rising Threats in El Salvador

The recent exodus of Cristosal from El Salvador underscores a critical shift in human rights landscapes as the group faces repression under President Bukele's government.

Cristosal, one of El Salvador's leading human rights organizations, has officially shut down its operations in the country and relocated its staff to adjacent nations due to relentless threats from authorities, as declared by its director, Noah Bullock. The organization has meticulously documented instances of torture and violent abuses tied to President Nayib Bukele's administration, particularly during the ongoing state of emergency declared in 2022 aimed at combating gang violence.

“Cristosal’s exit represents a troubling juncture in human rights advocacy,” asserted Juanita Goebertus, Americas director for Human Rights Watch, emphasizing the detrimental implications this could have on societal resilience, freedom of expression, and the fight against corruption. Meanwhile, the Salvadoran government has remained silent regarding the situation.

In a stark example of the precarious atmosphere, Ruth López, Cristosal's anti-corruption director, was arrested in May and is currently detained. This incident was closely followed by the arrest of another attorney, Enrique Anaya, who openly criticized Bukele’s regime. Bullock reported that Cristosal members have increasingly become targets, with police surveilling them and conducting nocturnal visits to their residences, which he labels a new "wave of repression."

This development occurs as Bukele strengthens relations with the United States, notably under arrangements concerning undocumented immigrant detentions initiated during the Trump presidency. While human rights concerns under Bukele were highlighted during the Biden administration, the recent oppressive actions have drawn minimal commentary from Trump-era officials, even as European leaders have started to express their concern.