President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador dismissed on March 12 recent reports from non-governmental organizations accusing his administration of holding political prisoners and committing crimes against humanity in the country’s fight against gangs.
The issue is significant as it raises concerns about human rights practices under Bukele’s government, especially given the ongoing state of exception that allows detentions without a court order. This policy has resulted in approximately 90,000 people being imprisoned over nearly four years, with around 8,000 later released due to lack of evidence.
Bukele responded to the allegations by writing on X: “It is funny to see all the NGOs, think tanks, media and paid journalists of (George) Soros attacking in unison and obviously coordinated,” referring without evidence to the American billionaire and philanthropist. He continued, “I would be worried if it were not so. It means we are on the right track. Thank God.” Bukele is known for responding to critics with ironic messages.
A report from the well-known NGO Cristosal last Thursday claimed that Bukele’s government holds 86 critics as “political prisoners,” a situation which Cristosal says has not occurred in El Salvador since its civil war ended three decades ago. The organization compared this development to situations in Venezuela and Nicaragua.
Additionally, a group of experts supported by organizations such as the International Federation for Human Rights and the International Commission of Jurists accused Bukele’s administration on Tuesday of committing “crimes against humanity” including torture and disappearances.
The broader implications center on growing international scrutiny over El Salvador’s security policies and their impact on civil liberties. Observers will likely continue monitoring how these allegations affect both domestic politics and El Salvador’s relations abroad.
