Fidel Zavala, a renowned human rights defender in El Salvador, faces imminent danger of torture and mistreatment following his recent prison transfer. This relocation places him under the watchful eyes of guards he has previously accused of horrific abuses. The very environment that should safeguard his rights now threatens his life and integrity, raising urgent alarms among human rights advocates.
Ana Piquer, the Americas Director for Amnesty International, expressed grave concern, stating, “The transfer of Salvadoran HRD Fidel Zavala is extremely worrying. By moving him to a prison where the guards he previously denounced for torture reign, the authorities are putting his life and physical integrity at immediate risk.”
Zavala was detained on February 25, 2025, during a government raid targeting the Unidad De Defensa De Derechos Humanos Y Comunitarios (UNIDEHC). This operation also saw more than 20 community leaders arrested and included searches of key organisation locations. His detention escalates concerns, as Zavala has not only witnessed but also spoken out against the deep-seated torture practices within Salvadoran prisons.
Amnesty International reacted swiftly, issuing an Urgent Action to protect Zavala, urging that authorities must ensure his physical and psychological well-being and uphold his right to a fair trial, complete with due process protections. The situation highlights the precarious state of human rights in the region and the ongoing threats faced by defenders like Zavala.
Fidel Zavala, a human rights defender in El Salvador, is at acute risk of torture after being transferred to a prison with guards he previously denounced for abuse. The gravity of this situation has prompted Amnesty International to issue an Urgent Action, advocating for his safety and adherence to fair trial protocols, amidst a backdrop of broader human rights violations in the country.
Fidel Zavala’s predicament underscores a severely troubling reality for human rights in El Salvador. His recent incarceration among accused torturers not only puts his life in jeopardy but also spotlights the perilous environment surrounding human rights advocates in the region. The urgent call for protection from organisations like Amnesty International is a critical plea to uphold justice and safeguard those who dare to speak against tyranny.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
