El Salvador judge orders pre-trial detention of prominent lawyer Ruth Lopez

Supporters of Ruth Lopez, anti-corruption and justice director of Cristosal, protest in San Salvador

Supporters of Ruth Lopez, anti-corruption and justice director of Cristosal, protest as she leaves a courthouse after a hearing, following her arrest over allegations of embezzlement during her time as a state official, in San Salvador, El Salvador, June 4, 2025. REUTERS/Jose Cabezas

Source: REUTERS

A judge in El Salvador ordered the provisional detention of prominent lawyer Ruth Lopez, human rights group Cristosal said on Wednesday.

Lopez, a well-known human rights and anti-corruption advocate, was arrested by Salvadoran authorities last month over allegations of embezzlement during her time as a state official.

She left Wednesday's hearing shouting that she was innocent and said she had now been charged with illicit enrichment.

"I am a political prisoner. All the charges are because of my legal work, due to my denunciation of corruption in this government," Lopez added.

This article was produced by Reuters news agency. It has not been edited by Global South World.

By Reuters