UN Experts Demand Release of Salvadoran Lawyer Ruth López After Year in Pre-Trial Detention

The experts stated that as more time passes without trial proceedings beginning, the legal justification for keeping López in detention weakens significantly.

United Nations human rights experts have expressed deep concern over the prolonged pre-trial detention of Salvadoran lawyer and women's rights defender Ruth Eleonora López Alfaro, warning that her continued imprisonment may constitute an unjustified and punitive misuse of detention aimed at silencing human rights advocacy.

In a strongly worded statement, the experts criticized the fact that López has spent an entire year in detention without the start of a formal trial, arguing that such prolonged imprisonment appears "prima facie unreasonable and disproportionate" under international human rights standards.

The experts warned that the case raises serious concerns about due process violations, judicial secrecy, retaliation against human rights defenders, and the shrinking space for civil society in El Salvador.

UN Experts Question Legality of Prolonged Detention

According to the UN experts, Ruth López has remained in pre-trial detention since 4 June 2025, despite the absence of demonstrated extraordinary complexity in the case or evidence that the defence obstructed judicial proceedings.

The experts stated that as more time passes without trial proceedings beginning, the legal justification for keeping López in detention weakens significantly.

Under international law, pre-trial detention is intended to be an exceptional measure used only when strictly necessary, such as:

• Preventing flight risk

• Protecting evidence

• Avoiding interference with investigations

• Protecting public safety

However, the experts emphasized that lengthy detention without trial can effectively become a form of punishment imposed before any conviction.

They warned that a full year of pre-trial detention under these circumstances appears excessive and inconsistent with international human rights protections.

Concerns Over Isolation and Denial of Visits

The UN experts also raised alarm over López's detention conditions, noting that she has reportedly been denied regular visits during her imprisonment.

This is despite precautionary measures ordered in September 2025 by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), which sought to protect her rights and well-being.

According to the experts, restricting access to visits increases her vulnerability and poses serious risks to her:

• Physical health

• Psychological integrity

• Emotional well-being

Human rights organizations frequently warn that isolation and restrictions on family or legal visits can intensify psychological distress among detainees and may violate international detention standards.

Judicial Secrecy Raises Due Process Concerns

Another major concern highlighted by the UN experts involves the use of judicial secrecy in the proceedings against López.

The secrecy measures reportedly:

• Prevent public access to hearings

• Restrict the defence's access to the criminal file

• Limit transparency in legal proceedings

The experts warned that these restrictions undermine the principle of "equality of arms," a key component of fair trial rights that ensures both prosecution and defence have equal opportunities to present their case.

They also stressed that the right to legal representation by a lawyer of one's choosing is a fundamental protection guaranteed under Article 14 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

Limiting access to case files and imposing excessive secrecy can severely impair a defendant's ability to prepare an adequate defence.

UN Experts Suspect Retaliation for Human Rights Work

The experts indicated that the circumstances surrounding López's detention and the alleged irregularities in the proceedings strongly suggest possible reprisals linked to her work as a lawyer and human rights defender.

According to the statement, there are indications that the criminalization and prolonged detention of López may stem from her efforts to expose:

• Corruption

• Human rights violations

• Abuse of power

The experts warned that her treatment appears consistent with broader patterns used to silence critical voices and intimidate civil society actors.

Human rights defenders in several countries have increasingly faced accusations of politically motivated prosecutions, arbitrary detention, surveillance, harassment, and public stigmatization.

Concerns About Gender-Based Intimidation

The UN experts expressed particular concern that the case may reflect gender-based forms of repression targeting women leaders in public life.

They warned that the public dissemination of López's image, combined with efforts to stigmatize her and deny procedural guarantees, may form part of a broader strategy aimed not only at imprisoning her but also at discrediting her authority and discouraging other women from engaging in human rights work.

According to the experts, such tactics can create a chilling effect on:

• Women activists

• Lawyers

• Journalists

• Civil society organizations

The statement emphasized that attacks against women human rights defenders often involve attempts to undermine their credibility, reputation, and leadership roles in addition to restricting their freedoms.

Human Rights Defenders Facing Growing Pressure in El Salvador

The case comes amid increasing international scrutiny of human rights conditions and democratic governance in El Salvador.

Civil society groups and international observers have raised concerns in recent years regarding:

• Restrictions on civic space

• Judicial independence

• Mass detentions under security policies

• Press freedom

• Treatment of activists and lawyers

Human rights organizations argue that anti-corruption activists and independent organizations face growing pressure in an increasingly polarized political environment.

The UN experts warned that targeting defenders like López could seriously undermine the ability of organizations and activists to continue monitoring human rights violations and advocating for accountability.

Immediate Release and Alternative Measures Requested

The UN experts urged the Salvadoran government to:

• Release Ruth López immediately

• Consider alternative measures instead of detention

• Remove judicial secrecy from the proceedings

• End all acts of harassment against her

• Guarantee her ability to continue human rights work safely

They emphasized that states have an obligation under international law to protect human rights defenders and ensure they can carry out their legitimate activities without fear of intimidation or retaliation.

The experts also stressed that pre-trial detention should never be used as a tool to punish or silence critics.

International Law Protects Human Rights Defenders

International human rights law provides specific protections for lawyers, activists, and defenders working to expose abuses and defend fundamental freedoms.

The UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders recognizes the right of individuals and organizations to:

• Promote human rights

• Expose abuses

• Participate in public affairs

• Seek accountability without fear of reprisals

UN mechanisms have repeatedly warned that arbitrary detention, judicial harassment, and stigmatization of activists threaten democratic institutions and weaken the rule of law.

UN Experts Remain in Contact With El Salvador

The UN experts confirmed that they are continuing discussions with the Government of El Salvador regarding López's case.

While no formal response from Salvadoran authorities was included in the statement, the international attention surrounding the case is likely to intensify pressure for greater transparency and judicial accountability.

Human rights organizations worldwide are expected to continue monitoring developments closely as concerns grow over the treatment of activists and defenders in the region.

The experts concluded that protecting human rights defenders is essential for safeguarding democracy, justice, and accountability in any society.