Background on Cristosal and its Relevance
Cristosal is a prominent non-governmental organization (NGO) in El Salvador, known for its advocacy against corruption and human rights abuses. Founded in 1993, Cristosal has been a significant voice for change and justice in the country. The organization’s director, Noah Bullock, recently announced its closure of the El Salvador office due to government repression under President Nayib Bukele.
Government Repression and Cristosal’s Response
In an interview with Noah Bullock, the director of Cristosal, he expressed that Salvadorans deserve “something better” than living amidst gangs or dictatorship. The NGO closed its El Salvador office following the arrest of Ruth López, Cristosal’s anti-corruption unit head, and the approval of a law targeting foreign agents, which Cristosal views as an instrument for Bukele’s dictatorship.
The Régimen of Exception and Human Rights Concerns
Since 2022, President Bukele has implemented a “state of exception” to combat gangs, resulting in the detention of tens of thousands without judicial orders. Bullock describes an atmosphere of fear, with over 86,000 people detained and disappeared in prisons since 2019. Families remain uncertain about their loved ones’ fates, contributing to widespread anxiety.
Exodus of Human Rights Defenders
In recent weeks, an increasing number of human rights defenders, journalists, and businesspeople have fled El Salvador due to the lack of legal security and repressive environment. Bullock noted this trend, emphasizing the deteriorating situation for those advocating for human rights and press freedom.
Shifting Fear from Gangs to Government
When asked if Salvadorans have shifted their fear from gangs to the government, Bullock confirmed this change. He stated that the population now faces a repressive state apparatus without the protections of state institutions, having endured years of gang intimidation and terror.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Noah Bullock? Noah Bullock is the director of Cristosal, a prominent NGO in El Salvador focused on human rights and anti-corruption efforts.
- What is the state of exception in El Salvador? The state of exception, implemented by President Nayib Bukele since 2022, allows for the detention of individuals without judicial orders in the fight against gangs. Critics argue it has led to human rights abuses and a climate of fear.
- Why did Cristosal close its El Salvador office? Cristosal closed its office due to government repression, including the arrest of its anti-corruption unit head and the passage of a law targeting foreign agents, which the NGO views as an instrument for Bukele’s dictatorship.
- What is the current human rights situation in El Salvador? There is growing concern over human rights violations, with tens of thousands detained under the state of exception and families uncertain about their loved ones’ fates. Human rights defenders, journalists, and businesspeople are fleeing the country due to the repressive environment.
