Ruth López, a notable figure in El Salvador's fight against corruption, was detained by law enforcement officials on Sunday night, according to her organization, a leading human rights group. The attorney general has confirmed her arrest, although as of Monday morning, no formal charges have been laid against her and her whereabouts remain uncertain.
López, who heads the anti-corruption and justice division of her organization, had been a vocal critic of President Nayib Bukele, accusing his administration of engaging in corrupt practices and negligence. The attorney general's office stated that her arrest was part of a broader investigation, as she reportedly had a close association with Eugenio Chicas, a former official who was apprehended earlier this year on allegations of misuse of public funds.
Chicas was a significant political figure, having previously served as president of the country's electoral tribunal and as press secretary under former President Salvador Sánchez Cerén. Following López's arrest, the attorney general's office publicly accused her of complicity in the alleged theft of state resources.
Her detention has sparked immediate backlash from human rights activists and legal experts, who assert that this move signals a troubling trend in Bukele's governance. Critics suggest that the president's relationship with the United States, particularly following agreements with Trump to manage immigration, may empower him to intensify his crackdowns on dissenting voices without fear of repercussions.
This incident reflects growing concerns regarding the state of democracy and human rights in El Salvador, as those in positions of authority face increased scrutiny for their actions and allegations of corruption become more prominent in public discourse.
