El Salvador: Concerns persist regarding the criminalization of human rights defender
A year on from the detention of Fidel Antonio Zavala Pérez, a member and spokesperson for the Unidad de Defensa de Derechos Humanos y Comunitarios (UNIDEHC), Amnesty International expresses its concern regarding his prolonged pre-trial detention and the abusive use of criminal law against defenders and community leaders to criminalize the defence of human rights in El Salvador.
“What we are witnessing in the case of UNIDEHC spokespersons is evidence of a worrying trend of unlawful use of criminal law against those working to defend the rights of communities,” said Ana Piquer, Americas director at Amnesty International. “When justice becomes a weapon for intimidation, the rule of law is undermined and a message of deterrence sent to those reporting abuses.”
When justice becomes a weapon for intimidation, the rule of law is undermined and a message of deterrence sent to those reporting abuses.”
Ana Piquer, Americas director at Amnesty International.
Multiple proceedings and prolonged detention
On 25 February 2025, authorities raided UNIDEHC headquarters and detained Zavala, together with over 20 community leaders defending land from threats of eviction in the community known as “La Floresta”. Arrest warrants were issued for lawyers Ivania Cruz and Rudy Joya, who are also spokespersons for the organization.
Following his detention, the Public Prosecutor’s Office initiated multiple proceedings against Fidel Zavala, including the reopening of a case in which he had already been acquitted. Throughout 2025, he faced at least four legal proceedings, three of which resulted in acquittal or the case being closed without a conviction being issued.
He is currently being held in custody in connection with the La Floresta case, on charges of criminal association and illegal land sales.
“Pre-trial detention should be a measure that is exceptional, necessary and proportional. When extended without sufficient justification and combined with the opening of multiple proceedings, serious doubts arise regarding respect for the presumption of innocence and the right to a trial within a reasonable time,” stated Ana Piquer.
Protracted pretrial detention raises concerns regarding international standards to which El Salvador is a party, which prohibit arbitrary detention and establish the right to be tried within a reasonable time and the presumption of innocence.
Risks to personal integrity and prior reports
Prior to his detention, Fidel Zavala had reported alleged acts of torture and other serious human rights violations in Salvadoran prisons.
“The conditions of detention and the regime to which he may be subjected raise additional concerns for his health and integrity. The Salvadoran authorities have an obligation to guarantee humane conditions and protect those who report abuses,” Ana Piquer added.
More than 20 community leaders have been detained in the La Floresta operation, and lawyers Ivania Cruz and Rudy Joya faced arrest warrants in connection with the same case, including some issued through INTERPOL in 2025.
“The criminalization of community leaders and lawyers must be analysed as a whole. When prolonged detention, broad accusations and the activation of international mechanisms are used together, the aim is to strip all protections from those who organize to defend their rights,” said Ana Piquer.
The criminalization of community leaders and lawyers must be analysed as a whole. When prolonged detention, broad accusations and the activation of international mechanisms are used together, the aim is to strip all protections from those who organize to defend their rights.”
Ana Piquer, Americas director at Amnesty International.
A call to the Salvadoran state
Amnesty International urges the Salvadoran authorities to guarantee the physical and psychological integrity of Fidel Zavala and all those detained in connection with the La Floresta case, to immediately reassess the need for pre-trial detention and to guarantee due process in accordance with international standards. Moreover, it calls on the authorities to refrain from using the judicial system to criminalize the legitimate work carried out by human rights defenders.
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact press@amnesty.org
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