El Salvador: News & Updates

Diggers are working at what campaigners call a place where ‘human life, biodiversity and the environment will be sacrificed’

On 19 June 1981, a group of women were interrogated, raped and murdered by soldiers. In the second, on 25 July 1981, about 25 armed men entered homes and opened fire, killing about 45 civilians. Their remains are still being exhumed but most of the victims were women and children.

Now, the community fears the authorities want to bury its history under tons of rubbish.

Under President Nayib Bukele, a new Salvadoran economic elite has emerged as top government officials and Bukele's close associates dramatically multiply their personal wealth and landholdings through state power and lucrative developments. In stark contrast to this rapid enrichment at the top, over 240,000 Salvadorans have fallen into extreme poverty as the regime displaces local communities and shields its financial growth behind limited transparency.

On March 17th, El Salvador changed their constitution making laws much harsher by allowing life sentences for crimes like murder, rape, and terrorism. In the article it is stated that acts related to some sort of gang violence or offense are now being considered as acts of terrorism, causing these alleged gang members or "terrorists", who without being given a just trial, are serving life sentences, hurting innocent people who were falsley accused during President Bukele's gang crackdown. The changes are especially concerning for women and children as well.  Women could face life in prison over abortion-related cases with little regard of context, and children as young as 12 could receive life sentences without parole. The article also describes concerns about prisoners being forced to work and families being exploited for money.

Overall, the author believes the reforms are less about real justice and more about punishment and control. Instead of focusing on rehabilitation, preventing violence, and protecting people’s rights, the government is making it easier to imprison people for life.

This article looks at El Salvador's State of Exception through the lens of the unrightfully detained lawyer, activist and human rights defender Ruth López. 

Nayib Bukele’s El Salvador welcomes tourists with open arms while ruthlessly imprisoning its own people.

Newly conducted voice analysis investigations by Earshot, confirms leaked audio files, revealing U.S. Intervention in Honduras, to be moderatley authentic. 

IRTF is among the many organizations committed to human rights across the Americas urging the release of political prisoner Ruth López in El Salvador. May 18 marks one year since she was arrested at home in her pajamas on a Sunday at 9:30pm with the bogus charge of embezzlement. Ruth had been serving as lead human rights attorney for the organization Cristosal. 

Despite Ruth’s request for a public trial, the Salvadoran government continues to pursue non-public proceedings, raising serious concerns about due process, transparency, and the protection of fundamental rights.

TAKE ACTION to demand the release of human rights lawyer Ruth López.

(1) Use the campaign toolkit to share Ruth’s story with social media graphics, sample posts, scripts to contact legislators. Click here.

(2) Repost and share campaign posts: Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook.  #FreeRuth

(3) Circulate reports, interviews, statements, and stories about Ruth.

(4) Tell Congress to support legislation to condition US police/military aid to El Salvador on human rights improvements and request a US State Department briefing on efforts to secure the freedom of Ruth López.  Click here

AP news examines US deportations to El Salvador under Bukeles state of exception 

this article coherently summarizes the devestating reality of central american countries overlooked inspite of international warfare in the middle east and aisa demanding attention