One Year after the Arbitrary Detention of Ruth López: Statement by the Women Human Rights Defenders International Coalition (WHRDIC)
The Women Human Rights Defenders International Coalition (WHRDIC) is a transnational, intersectional feminist coalition of WHRDs, feminists, trans and non-binary activists and organisations, and their allies.
In the early hours of May 18, 2025, Salvadoran lawyer and human rights defender Ruth Eleonora López Alfaro was arbitrarily arrested by police at her home, she has remained in prison ever since. At the time of her arrest, Ruth was Head of the Anti-Corruption and Justice Unit at the organization Cristosal, where she was instrumental in documenting and denouncing corruption and human rights violations in El Salvador.
Ruth López is widely respected in El Salvador and beyond her country’s borders for her vital work. In 2024, she was recognized on the “BBC 100 Women” list and has received four international awards for her contributions to justice and human rights.
Ruth, her courage, and her unwavering commitment are a source of hope and inspiration for WHRDs in El Salvador and around the world.
Since her arrest, Ruth’s rights have been repeatedly violated. In response to this situation, in September 2025 the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) issued precautionary measures in her favor to protect her rights to life, physical integrity, and health. However, to date, these measures have not been fully implemented, and her rights - especially those related to health care and visits - have not been fully guaranteed.
Today, one year after her arbitrary detention, we raise our voices to demand the full implementation of the precautionary measures granted by the IACHR and an end to any undue restrictions.
The criminal process against Ruth is being conducted in secrecy, which has led to a lack of transparency in the case and has severely limited her right to an adequate defense.
Today, after 365 days of unjust deprivation of liberty, we join Ruth, her family, and her organization, Cristosal, in demanding a public trial and the full guarantee of her right to defend herself in her capacity as a lawyer.
Ruth has committed no crime. She was simply doing her job, which is to expose corruption and human rights violations. She was courageously carrying out her legitimate human rights work.
Today, after 8,760 hours in pretrial detention, we call for the immediate review of this measure. It is urgent to uphold her right to the presumption of innocence and ensure that legal proceedings continue while she remains free.
Finally, we remind everyone that Ruth’s case is not an isolated event. Under the current state of emergency imposed in the country since March 2022, the rights of people deprived of liberty – including access to health care, due process and visits – have been systematically violated.
Given its significance, we have included Ruth’s case in the #SpreadingTheEcho Campaign initiated by WHRDIC to amplify the stories of imprisoned women human rights defenders and demand their freedom.
We will continue to raise our voices from every corner of the world until we achieve #FreedomForRuth and all women human rights defenders.
#FreedomForRuth
#PublicTrialForRuth
#SpreadingTheEcho
