On Wednesday, Amnesty International urged Salvadoran authorities to protect the “physical integrity” of human rights activist Fidel Zavala, who was detained on February 25, 2025. Alongside fellow community leaders, Zavala’s arrest has sparked international concern, as he serves as a spokesperson for the Human Rights and Community Defense Unit (UNIDEHC) criticized for targeting dissidents against the government.
Zavala, having previously scrutinised abuses in El Salvador’s penitentiary system, is especially at risk as a witness and whistleblower. He documented instances of torture during his own 13-month pretrial detention, from which he was acquitted of “aggravated fraud.” His dedication to exposing human rights violations has made him a high-profile critic of conditions in prisons under President Nayib Bukele’s controversial policies.
Amnesty invoked a rallying call, stating that there must be an end to arbitrary detentions and demanding a fair trial for Zavala and his companions. The recent raid on UNIDEHC’s headquarters and the detention of over twenty community leaders suggest a coordinated effort to silence activism, particularly following Zavala’s bold criticisms of prison authorities.
The Salvadoran Attorney General’s Office accused Zavala and other activists of serious crimes, including illegal land transactions, which many observers view with scepticism. The timing of the arrests, closely following Zavala’s criticisms, raises alarms about political persecution directed at those who oppose government actions.
This incident reflects a troubling trend of oppression under the state of exception, a policy enforced by Bukele to address gang violence, resulting in mass detentions. Amnesty reports highlight a legacy of repression, torture, and escalating state violence, making Zavala’s recent detention emblematic of broader human rights abuses experienced by marginalized communities in El Salvador.
Amnesty International is demanding protection for human rights activist Fidel Zavala, detained under controversial charges in El Salvador. Zavala, a whistleblower on penitentiary abuses, has faced political persecution since his arrest. The Salvadoran authorities’ crackdown illustrates broader issues of human rights violations amidst Bukele’s state of exception policy, highlighting urgent needs for legal protection for activists.
In summary, the detention of Fidel Zavala serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing human rights challenges within El Salvador. As political oppression intensifies under President Bukele’s regime, the call for justice and protection must resonate not only locally but on an international scale. The struggle for civil liberties and the protection of activists like Zavala is crucial for fostering a more just society.
Original Source: ticotimes.net
