Ruth López, head lawyer of Cristosal, a human rights group representing Venezuelan migrants deported from the US and imprisoned in El Salvador, was arrested. Accused of embezzlement from a decade ago, the arrest is seen as part of a broader crackdown on civil society and the press under President Nayib Bukele. Cristosal denounces the arrest as a due process violation. The arrest follows the exodus of journalists from El Faro and a proposed bill to tax NGO contributions. International organizations express deep concern over the escalating repression of human rights defenders in El Salvador.

Prepared by Rachel Morgan and reviewed by editorial team.