The National Civil Police detained the lawyer on the evening of May 18th. Authorities have so far denied her access to legal counsel and her family, raising serious concerns about her safety and due process.

López is a prominent lawyer who has denounced human rights violations and corruption during the Nayib Bukele administration and currently serves as head of the Anti-Corruption Unit at Cristosal, one of the most respected human rights organizations in the country.

The state of emergency in El Salvador is not only being used to address gang-related violence, but also as a tool to silence critical voices, according to the newspaper El Independiente. Authoritarianism has intensified in recent years, as President Bukele undermines institutions and the rule of law, and persecutes civil society organizations and independent journalists, the journal assured.

The Medical Association (MA) echoed these sentiments on Tuesday, issuing a statement announcing its support for the protests against the current situation in the country and rejecting any act that “threatens the rule of law,” the balance of power, and respect for democratic institutions. “We cannot remain silent in the face of the weakening of democratic institutions, the disrespect for the Constitution, and the concentration of power that threatens the fundamental freedoms and rights of the Salvadoran people,” the note stated.

A report by El Independiente, signed by Walter Raudales, leader of the Salvadoran Left Movement, emphasized that “if there is no space for protest, what is coming is not peace: it is an imposed silence that will sooner or later explode,” a warning that worries some Salvadorans.

The atmosphere is also tense after the government and the Attorney General’s Office ordered the arrests of 16 transport workers and two activists from the El Bosque cooperative in recent days, events that sparked controversy in the country and attacks from opposition parties.

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