Ruth López is a lawyer and human rights defender known for her strong belief in justice and accountability. When she is not teaching or mentoring young lawyers and activists, Ruth enjoys reading and caring for her garden of orchids.
For years, Ruth spoke out against corruption and human rights abuses in El Salvador. She dedicated her life to defending justice and protecting the rule of law, even as it became dangerous to do so.
Since 2022, El Salvador has been under a state of emergency that has given authorities sweeping powers to silence critics, target activists and weaken basic legal rights. Today, peacefully speaking out or defending human rights can put your right to liberty at risk.
In May 2025, Ruth was arrested at her home and locked up. Her family didn’t know where she was for 40 hours. One year later she remains in pretrial detention. She is being denied the right to a fair trial and regular access to her family or lawyer.
Ruth López is a prisoner of conscience, detained solely for peacefully exercising her human rights.
Call on the Salvadoran authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Ruth López and drop all charges against her