In San Salvador, the legal battle intensifies as a judge has decided to keep Enrique Anaya, a prominent attorney and vocal critic of President Nayib Bukele, in detention. Anaya, apprehended earlier this month over allegations of money laundering, had recently referred to Bukele as a “dictator” during a live television broadcast. Human rights advocates have raised concerns over his arrest, pointing to potential governmental overreach.
Anaya’s lawyer, Jaime Quintanilla, expressed disappointment, revealing that the case will advance to an investigative stage. Authorities have remained tight-lipped about the specific charges, even as they released a photo of Anaya in restraints, surrounded by armed officers.
Opposition to Bukele’s administration has grown, as critics allege he is leveraging his connection with the U.S. Trump administration to silence dissenters. The arrest of Anaya is seen as part of a crackdown that also includes a new law targeting organizations funded from abroad. This climate of fear echoes in the case of human rights attorney Ruth Leonora López, who is similarly detained on charges of illicit enrichment.
Anaya’s defense maintains his innocence, arguing that the detention is politically motivated and unconstitutional, given that he was held for two weeks without appearing before a judge. This delay contradicts El Salvador’s legal framework, which demands a judicial appearance within 72 hours.
Quintanilla criticized the application of emergency provisions, typically reserved for handling criminal gangs, against Anaya, who is accused of different crimes. Despite filing a habeas corpus petition that partially succeeded, Anaya remains in custody. Quintanilla had hoped for his release but found Anaya still in cuffs, facing reporters with hands clasped on his chest.
Though the legal proceedings are confidential, Quintanilla disclosed that Anaya relayed details of his sufferings and condition inside detention. Anaya, who reportedly suffers from a chronic health condition, has faced deteriorating health attributed to overcrowded and confined conditions.
Global advocates have long criticized Bukele for alleged human rights abuses. His administration has taken radical steps, overshadowing due process to diminish gang activity. Nevertheless, critics observe that his measures also target opponents, diminishing judicial independence and weakening democratic norms.
By consolidating power across government branches, Bukele has revamped the Supreme Court with loyal supporters and bypassed constitutional regulations to secure reelection. Popular despite criticism, his presidency underscores the precarious balance between security initiatives and civil liberties in El Salvador.