Cristosal Shuts Down Operations in El Salvador Amid Rising Government Pressure
A prominent human rights organization, Cristosal, recently announced it’s suspending its on-the-ground work in El Salvador, citing intense government harassment, repression, and outright persecution of those defending human rights. This move marks a significant moment in a growing crackdown under President Nayib Bukele’s administration — one that’s rattling civil society groups and journalists across the country.
Forced Out, Not Silenced
At a press conference held in Guatemala City, Cristosal’s Executive Director, Noah Bullock, laid it out plainly: “We are forced to choose between prison or exile.” After 25 years operating within El Salvador, the organization has now made the difficult decision to shift its operations to neighboring Guatemala and Honduras. But Bullock was clear — their mission to defend human rights won’t stop just because they’re physically out of the country.
Bullock explained that the escalating threats against them, including the criminalization of one of their own members, have made working inside El Salvador all but impossible. “With the threats we have received, with Ruth’s criminalization, and with the limited possibilities of security guarantees, we are more useful to the cause by being outside but free, than by risking imprisonment inside El Salvador,” he said.
The Ruth Eleonora López Case: A Turning Point
The organization’s decision came on the heels of a troubling development. Ruth Eleonora López, a lawyer and human rights activist affiliated with Cristosal, was detained by Salvadoran authorities on charges of illicit enrichment. López has consistently denied the allegations and has formally requested a public trial. However, her arrest is widely seen by the group as more than a legal matter — it’s a clear signal of the government’s intent to intimidate and silence dissent.
Abraham Ábrego, Cristosal’s litigation director, echoed the sentiment: “Currently, El Salvador does not offer the conditions to continue this work in person.” The detainment of López wasn’t just a blow to the individual but a major turning point for the entire organization.
A Crackdown Beyond Crime
Bukele’s government has justified its stringent measures by pointing to notable reductions in gang-related violence, a major issue plaguing El Salvador for years. His “iron-fisted” approach to crime has won praise from supporters who see the drop in violence as a victory. But critics argue that this victory has come with a steep price — mass incarcerations, erosion of civil liberties, and a crackdown that’s expanded far beyond gangs, targeting civil society and the media.
Cristosal’s experience is just one example in a wider pattern. The government has increasingly accused groups like Cristosal of acting as political activists rather than neutral human rights defenders, suggesting that these organizations neglect the “real needs” of Salvadorans.
The Exile of Journalists and NGOs
Cristosal isn’t alone in facing government pressure. The investigative news outlet El Faro has been operating mostly from exile in Costa Rica since 2023, after several of its journalists fled El Salvador anticipating arrests over their critical reporting. The trend is clear: groups and individuals who shine a light on government actions or defend rights are being pushed out or silenced.
The Foreign Agents Law: Another Barrier
Adding to the pressure is El Salvador’s controversial Foreign Agents Law, which has been described by rights groups as an existential threat. The law imposes a hefty 30% tax on any transactions, disbursements, donations, or even in-kind imports received by NGOs funded from abroad. The government claims that this tax revenue will be redirected to projects of “general or social interest,” but critics say the law’s real purpose is to choke off resources to watchdog groups.
Bullock called the law a “tool to silence and criminalize human rights organizations at the government’s discretion.” Ábrego highlighted its dangers too: “The Foreign Agents Law allows authorities to selectively prosecute organizations, imposing financial penalties and control that undermine NGO independence.”
NGOs have until September 4 to register with the Ministry of the Interior under the law. Failure to comply means fines ranging from $100,000 to $250,000 and loss of operating licenses. Cristosal has already submitted its registration but is still waiting on approval — a situation that adds uncertainty to its future efforts.
What’s Next for Human Rights in El Salvador?
For now, Cristosal’s decision to operate from outside the country is a stark reminder of the shrinking space for civil society under Bukele’s administration. After a quarter-century on the ground, they’ve been forced into exile — but their resolve remains firm. Bullock made it clear: “Our work isn’t ending; it’s just changing where we do it from.”
This chapter highlights the delicate balance in El Salvador between security and freedom. While many applaud Bukele’s tough stance on gangs, the cost to democracy, transparency, and human rights is becoming impossible to ignore. As more groups like Cristosal face harassment and legal hurdles, questions remain about how much space remains for dissent and independent oversight in the country’s future.
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