Human rights watchdog Cristosal has officially shut down its operations in El Salvador, prompting a mass exodus of its staff to neighboring nations, as revealed by director Noah Bullock. This development follows persistent intimidation from law enforcement aimed at its employees, who have been diligently investigating severe human rights violations, including torture and other abuses linked to President Nayib Bukele's administration. The situation has raised alarm among human rights advocates regarding the repercussions for civil society and the media in the nation.
Prominent Human Rights Organization Abandons Operations in El Salvador Amid Intimidation
Prominent Human Rights Organization Abandons Operations in El Salvador Amid Intimidation
A significant Salvadoran human rights entity, Cristosal, has ceased operations in El Salvador due to escalating threats and harassment by the government.
In a statement made on Thursday, Bullock highlighted the worrying trend of repression, citing that employees had been subjected to police surveillance, especially during nighttime. The closure draws attention to an increasingly dangerous climate for those denouncing human rights violations within the country. “Cristosal’s closure in El Salvador marks a dangerous turning point,” commented Juanita Goebertus from Human Rights Watch, emphasizing the chilling implications for victims of abuse and civil society.
Cristosal has been central in documenting abuses committed since the imposition of a state of emergency in 2022 aimed at eradicating gang violence, and it is also known for investigating corruption within Bukele's government. The closure comes on the heels of the imprisonment of Ruth López, Cristosal's anti-corruption director, alongside the detention of other lawyers who have voiced opposition to the administration.
The escalation of harassment aligns with Bukele's increased ties with the United States, particularly following agreements related to migrant deportation. This has drawn scrutiny, particularly as the U.S. administration under Joe Biden has criticized human rights issues in El Salvador. However, the previous administration had remained notably reticent regarding such developments, even as European leaders have highlighted concerns.
Cristosal's absence signals a worrying shift in the human rights landscape in El Salvador, leaving behind a void in the ongoing fight against impunity and the protection of civil liberties.
Cristosal has been central in documenting abuses committed since the imposition of a state of emergency in 2022 aimed at eradicating gang violence, and it is also known for investigating corruption within Bukele's government. The closure comes on the heels of the imprisonment of Ruth López, Cristosal's anti-corruption director, alongside the detention of other lawyers who have voiced opposition to the administration.
The escalation of harassment aligns with Bukele's increased ties with the United States, particularly following agreements related to migrant deportation. This has drawn scrutiny, particularly as the U.S. administration under Joe Biden has criticized human rights issues in El Salvador. However, the previous administration had remained notably reticent regarding such developments, even as European leaders have highlighted concerns.
Cristosal's absence signals a worrying shift in the human rights landscape in El Salvador, leaving behind a void in the ongoing fight against impunity and the protection of civil liberties.
