Nayib Bukele, the president of El Salvador, stated he would prefer to be labeled a “dictator” than let criminals go unpunished, standing firm against criticism of his administration.
Since taking office in 2019, Bukele has gained both national and international recognition for his stringent anti-crime policies, which have bolstered his popularity at home while drawing scrutiny from human rights organizations.
The president has defended the recent detentions of human rights activists as part of his government’s anti-corruption efforts, rejecting claims that these actions amount to political repression.
“They claim we are detaining human rights advocates, dissidents, and regime opponents. How can we combat corruption if the entire opposition is shielded from accountability?” he remarked, not specifying the individuals he was discussing.
“Our focus remains on outcomes,” he continued. “Contrary to the misinformation circulated continuously, we have achieved more than any previous government in our history.”
Bukele’s aggressive approach to gang violence has resulted in the homicide rate falling to its lowest point in 30 years. However, he has faced significant backlash following the May 18 arrest of Ruth Eleonora Lopez, a well-known lawyer and activist.
The 47-year-old leader of the human rights organization Cristosal, which critiques El Salvador’s security policies, was arrested after police executed a warrant issued by the prosecution, citing her alleged abuse while serving on the Electoral Tribunal a decade earlier. She has been actively assisting the families of 252 Venezuelan migrants detained in El Salvador after being deported from the U.S.
Bukele has become an important ally of U.S. President Donald Trump in efforts to address illegal immigration.
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