El Salvador judge orders pre-trial detention of prominent lawyer Ruth Lopez
Ruth Lopez, anti-corruption and justice director of Cristosal, 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
Ruth Lopez, anti-corruption and justice director of Cristosal, 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
Ruth Lopez, anti-corruption and justice director of Cristosal, arrives at a courthouse for a hearing, after she was arrested for alleged embezzlement while she served as a state official, in San Salvador, El Salvador, June 4, 2025. REUTERS/Jose Cabezas
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
SAN SALVADOR - 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. REUTERS
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