Louis Benavides shares a personal account of his wife, Ruth López, who was detained by Salvadoran authorities in May 2025. Ruth, an anticorruption lawyer, played a key role in leading investigations into corruption involving misuse of public funds and the introduction of Bitcoin as legal tender in El Salvador. Her meticulous work raised her profile both locally and internationally.
Ruth’s recognition as one of the BBC’s 100 most influential women appeared to offer her some protection. However, her high profile may have contributed to her arrest on charges she hasn’t had the opportunity to challenge legally. Her situation reflects a broader issue within El Salvador’s justice system under President Nayib Bukele’s leadership.
Bukele, known internationally for partnering with former U.S. President Trump to detain Venezuelan migrants, has faced criticism for his authoritative governance model. Although many laud his actions for reducing crime, the consequences on civil liberties are significant.
Since the state of emergency over four years ago, around 90,000 people have been detained in mass raids, affecting nearly 2% of El Salvador’s adult population.
The majority of detainees are denied family contact or legal representation. Many remain in prison for years without trial. This sweeping crackdown targets individuals indiscriminately, leaving little room for justice in a compliant court system.
The government processes many cases simultaneously, sentencing prisoners without a fair chance to defend themselves. Recent legal changes allow life sentences for minors as young as 12, raising concerns about the direction of the country’s legal framework.
Leave a Reply