Since the implementation of the State of Exception in March 2022, authorities in El Salvador have adopted measures that reflect a widespread pattern of state abuse, including thousands of arbitrary detentions, the systematic use of torture in detention centers, and hundreds of deaths in state custody. Community activists and other human rights defenders are being swept up in the dragnet of mass arrests.
The rural community of La Floresta (in San Juan Opico municipality, La Libertad Department), has been facing eviction threats that could displace over a hundred families, many of whom have lived in the area for more than a decade. UNIDEHC (Unity of Defense for Human and Community Rights) has been providing legal support to the community in its struggle for land rights. In February, the National Civilian Police (PNC) arrested La Floresta community leaders Medardo Rodríguez and Alejandra Cañas. Two weeks later, they arrested José Alberto Pérez Ramírez and María Margarita Flamenco, two members of the community steering council. More than 20 residents of La Floresta have now been arrested and falsely charged with land ursurpation. Police also raided the home of the UNIDEHC director and the organization’s headquarters, arresting its spokesperson Fidel Zavala.
After starting judicial proceedings against Fidel Zavala and the others in March, he was transferred to the notorious Mariona Prison in early April. This is of particular concern because Fidel Zavala has previously denounced torture or other ill-treatment in penitentiary centers, including the abusive treatment of detainees by prison guards at Mariona. We are deeply concerned for his physical and mental well-being. We demand that he be immediately released.
