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3w ago

Salvadoran Human Rights Lawyer López Demands Public Trial as Prosecutors Seek Six-Month Detention

Her continued detention on corruption charges under a sealed case has drawn criticism from global rights groups.

Supporters of detained human rights lawyer Ruth Lopez hold a sign that reads in Spanish "Freedom for Ruth" outside court in San Salvador, El Salvador, Wednesday, June 4, 2025, the day a judge is expected to decide if she will be charged with alleged illegal enrichment. (AP Photo/Salvador Melendez)
Lopez, head of an anti-corruption unit of human rights NGO Cristosal, was arrested on May 18 and accused of embezzling state funds when she worked for an electoral court a decade ago

Overview

  • Prosecutors at the June 4 hearing requested that López remain jailed for six months pending trial on illegal enrichment charges dating to her work a decade ago.
  • The case against the Cristosal lawyer was declared confidential, and Wednesday’s hearing was held behind closed doors under a judicial seal.
  • Escorted in shackles and clutching a Bible, López shouted that authorities would not silence her and insisted on a public trial for transparency.
  • Defense attorney Pedro Cruz dismissed the accusations as unfounded, attributing the charges to López’s outspoken human rights advocacy.
  • Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and other organizations have condemned the arrest as part of a broader crackdown on dissent under President Bukele’s government.