Salvadoran Rights Lawyer Ruth López Arrested

Ruth Eleonora López, a leading Salvadoran human rights lawyer and head of Cristosal's anti-corruption unit, was arrested late Sunday at her home on charges of alleged embezzlement related to her previous work with ex-government official Eugenio Chicas. Her whereabouts remain undisclosed, and her family and legal team have been denied access, drawing condemnation from Cristosal, international human rights groups, and organizations such as Amnesty International. Critics argue her detention is part of a broader crackdown on civil society, journalists, and NGOs under President Nayib Bukele's prolonged state of emergency, which has led to over 85,000 arrests and the suspension of key legal protections. International advocates have called for López's immediate release and urged the U.S. and other diplomatic actors to pressure the Salvadoran government to end its campaign against human rights defenders. The Bukele administration denies allegations of abuse, maintaining its policies are necessary for national security. Observers warn that the situation signals escalating authoritarianism in El Salvador.