Unknown content type | CISPES: Committee in Solidarity with the People of El Salvador

Prepared by the Committee in Solidarity with the People of El Salvador (CISPES)

What happened?

In a process widely denounced for its legal transgressions and inconsistencies, the interim judge of the Second Justice of the Peace of El Salvador ordered six months of pre-trial detention for former FMLN officials, Dr. Violeta Menjívar, Erlinda Handal, Carlos Cáceres, Calixto Mejía and Hugo Flores, who were captured arbitrarily on July 22 and, later, accused of embezzlement and money laundering for allegedly receiving bonus payments during the administration of former President Mauricio Funes (2009-2014).

The El Salvador chapter of the American Association of Jurists issued the following statement in response to the arbitrary detention of five former FMLN government officials. Read the original here in Spanish.

Regarding the actions against former government officials on this past Thursday, July 22, we express to the Salvadoran people and the international community:

Authorities must investigate theft of files related to disappearances of children and adults during the armed conflict

Social movement organizations are denouncing the detentions, which were carried out without a judicial order, as politically motivated and are calling for their immediate release.

Take Action

Take Action In Solidarity with El Salvador

Meet some of the sustainers who power our work!

"I am a CISPES supporter because continuing to fight for social justice and a more people-centered country means continuing the dream and sacrifice of thousands of my fellow Salvadorans who died for that vision.” - Padre Carlos, New York City