Cristosal has shut down its El Salvador headquarters and evacuated its staff due to escalating repression by President Nayib Bukele, exacerbated by cuts from President Trump's administration. The organization has faced growing fears linked to restrictive laws and recent arrests impacting human rights efforts. Cristosal, founded by clergy, has played a key role in documenting abuses and represents those accused of dissent against the government. Cuts to foreign aid led to a reduction in their anti-corruption and justice initiatives, compounding challenges for rights advocates in the country.
Cristosal has closed its headquarters in El Salvador and evacuated staff due to a crackdown on dissent by President Bukele, with support from Trump's cuts to funding.
Cristosal executive director Noah Bullock emphasized the danger of U.S. support withdrawal, stating that it made the U.S. complicit in Bukele's autocratic actions against dissenters.
Cristosal, founded by clergy in 2000, has documented abuse, investigated corruption, and represented Salvadorans against new laws that attack dissent, significantly relying on U.S. aid.
The arrest of Cristosal lawyer Ruth López, who faced charges of illegal enrichment, marked a significant turning point for the organization amid rising pressure from Bukele's government.
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