Leading Anti-Corruption Group Exits El Salvador Amid Government Crackdown

Cristosal, a leading human rights and anti-corruption group in El Salvador, has suspended its local operations and relocated abroad due to government persecution under President Nayib Bukele. The organization cited threats of criminal prosecution and lack of fair trials. The Bukele government has intensified crackdowns on critics, arresting Cristosal advocate Ruth Lopez and passing a law targeting foreign-funded NGOs. While the government's state of emergency has curbed gang violence, it has also led to mass detentions and repression. Cristosal warned that civil liberties have eroded. Similarly, investigative outlet El Faro also relocated its operations abroad in 2023 amid rising pressure.