Salvadoran Analyst Rubén Zamora Faces Renewed Legal Pressure
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Rubén Zamora, a prominent Salvadoran political analyst and key figure in the 1992 Peace Accords, finds himself embroiled in a high-stakes legal battle with the administration of President Nayib Bukele. Zamora, a vocal critic of the Bukele government, has been targeted with at least two arrest warrants since 2023, raising concerns about political persecution within the country.
In December 2023, Judge Mirtala portillo issued the first warrant, accusing Zamora of obstructing the investigation and prosecution of war crimes committed during El Salvador’s civil war, citing the now-annulled Amnesty Law. This warrant, issued just weeks after the law’s annulment, was later overturned in March 2024 by a judge from the San Francisco Gotera Investigative Court. However, the legal pressure hasn’t ceased.
Zamora has publicly stated that the attempts to arrest him are a intentional effort “to silence him.” While acknowledging the potential for imprisonment or even assassination, he remains resolute in his fight. “Fear has not paralyzed me,” he asserts,”and I will continue fighting.”
“This is a typical case of an absolute mistake by the Government. That law was approved unanimously. That is the first law I wrote, I approved it.”
Zamora’s comments refer to the Amnesty Law, a point of contention in the ongoing legal proceedings. He argues that the law, which he helped draft, was intended to initiate prosecutions against high-ranking military officials responsible for major atrocities. he maintains the accusations against him are baseless.
“That was an order from the judge (Mirtala Portillo) of El Mozote. The lady is preparing a document…What the document said is that there is no where to go, that thay have to put us in prison and that they order the Police to bring me. That’s what the judge said.”
This quote describes Zamora’s reaction to the initial arrest warrant, which also targeted three former deputies and former President Alfredo Félix Cristiani. He alleges the warrant was orchestrated by the Presidential House, suggesting a politically motivated prosecution.
“No, I didn’t know…Then it came out that when I saw that I realized that, I said I’m getting in here and I’m not going to get out of jail, so we’re going to fight. So I went into hiding and spent a few months, but at the same time we began to work and put pressure until the moment came when the judge told us that they were no longer going to put us in prison, but that we could not leave the country until the whole trial will be over.”
Zamora’s account highlights the intensity of the situation and his proactive response. The annulment of the first warrant offered temporary relief, but a second warrant issued on February 21, 2024, underscores the ongoing legal pressure. The case continues to raise concerns about the rule of law and political freedom in El Salvador, with international implications for human rights and democratic governance.
82-Year-Old Activist Defies Repeated Arrests, Cites Political Persecution
In a dramatic escalation of tensions, an 82-year-old Salvadoran activist has faced repeated attempts at arrest, prompting accusations of political persecution and raising concerns about the rule of law. The activist, whose identity is being withheld for safety reasons, details a series of events that highlight a growing conflict between the government and its critics.
The activist maintains that the arrest warrants are a calculated attempt to silence his outspoken criticism of the government. “I take the Constitution and I tell you, look gentlemen, the President of the Republic… I tell you Mr. Bukele is violating this, I have the list, there are already 12 violations of the Constitution of the Republic that he has done in his last years,” he stated. His defiance stems from a belief that it’s his civic duty to challenge what he sees as unconstitutional actions.
last week, the situation intensified when police officers arrived at his home, despite a previous arrest warrant having been annulled by the San Francisco Gotera Court. Describing the incident, the activist recounted, “It was a little strange. When I open it, six or seven police officers appear… with a piece of paper.They told me that they were asking all over the area if people needed any help and we wanted to ask if we could see their house.” He noted the unusual level of armament, suggesting a more forceful intent than a simple inquiry.
The activist’s account continues, detailing how he engaged with the officers, ultimately presenting them with the annulled warrant. “I showed them the document and asked them to compare the dates… but that they should wait outside and that when he came we could talk,” he explained.After a superior officer arrived with reinforcements, the activist’s lawyer intervened, resulting in the officers’ withdrawal and an apology for the misunderstanding.
When asked if he considers these actions political persecution, the activist unequivocally responded, “Yes, what are they going to take me to prison for? at 82 years old I have no reason to hide. What happens is that the example must be set… they use the Constitution as if it were a piece of paper, and it is indeed not, it is a essential basis for society to develop.My thought is to continue fighting.”
The activist acknowledges the support he’s received from U.S. government representatives and organizations,who have also condemned the actions against him. He notes, though, that this support is frequently enough expressed through quiet diplomacy rather than public statements. “What I see is that (the role of the American embassy) is a kind of cautious diplomacy. They make an effort to contact the Government, but they do not publish it,” he observed.
The situation underscores broader concerns about the erosion of democratic institutions and freedom of speech in the region. The activist’s unwavering resolve, despite the risks, serves as a powerful testament to the importance of civic engagement and the fight for justice.
Activist Faces Threats, Calls for Constitutional Upholding
In a recent interview, an unnamed activist described facing threats and potential imprisonment, highlighting concerns about government overreach and the importance of upholding constitutional rights. The activist’s experiences underscore broader anxieties about the erosion of civil liberties, echoing similar concerns voiced by many Americans.
When asked about their experiences with law enforcement,the activist stated,”There are police officers who are bad and I have suffered it,but I believe that also the police and the Armed Forces,precisely as they are the ones who have the weapons,should be the most assiduous and the most compliant with what the Constitution orders them and not live violating the Constitution every day.All of this has to be judged when possible and with the right to defend oneself, that can never be taken away from anyone, not even the most murderous.”
fear and the Fight for freedom
The activist also addressed the very real fear of potential government reprisal.the potential for imprisonment or even death is a constant concern. “In my opinion,I don’t like it,but I can’t help knowing that I could be taken to prison or even killed,” the activist said.”That’s right, that’s how I spent three years when I had to leave the country because the war started. Being afraid is not a problem, we are all afraid. The problem is when you start trading because you are afraid, then everything is lost. the fear does not go away,rather it is as a warning to say that we must be careful currently,we must be very careful and aware of how things are.”
This sentiment reflects a growing unease among many Americans who feel their rights are under threat. The activist’s experience serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance in protecting fundamental freedoms and holding those in power accountable to the rule of law. the ongoing struggle for justice and accountability mirrors similar battles fought throughout American history.
The activist’s words resonate with the ongoing national conversation about police brutality, accountability, and the balance between security and individual liberties. The call for adherence to the Constitution and the right to self-defense are central themes in the American political landscape.
Salvadoran Analyst Faces Renewed Legal Pressure Amidst Accusations of Political Targeting
Veteran political analyst and peace accords signatory faces escalating legal battles, raising concerns about freedom of expression and teh rule of law in El Salvador.
By World-Today News Staff
Salvadoran political analyst Rubén Zamora, a key figure in the 1992 peace accords that ended el Salvador’s bloody civil war, finds himself embroiled in a high-stakes legal battle with the governance of President Nayib Bukele. Zamora, a vocal critic of the Bukele government, has been targeted with at least two arrest warrants since 2023, prompting accusations of political persecution and raising alarms about the state of democracy in the Central American nation.
A History of Conflict
Zamora’s legal troubles began in December 2023 when Judge Mirtala Portillo issued an arrest warrant accusing him of obstructing the examination and prosecution of war crimes committed during El Salvador’s civil war. The warrant cited the now-annulled Amnesty Law, which Zamora helped draft and fiercely defends as crucial for national reconciliation.The arrest warrant was issued just weeks after the law’s annulment, raising eyebrows about the timing and potential political motivation.
While this initial warrant was overturned in March 2024 by a judge from the San Francisco Gotera Investigative Court, the pressure on Zamora hasn’t subsided. A second warrant issued on February 21, 2024, underscores the government’s persistent efforts to silence opposition voices, according to Zamora and his supporters.
“Trying to Silence Me”
Zamora, who remains defiant in the face of these legal challenges, succinctly describes the situation as an attempt to “silence me.” Although he acknowledges the potential risks, including imprisonment or even assassination, he maintains his resolute stance: “Fear has not paralyzed me,” he asserts, “and I will continue fighting.”
Zamora is adamant that the accusations against him are baseless and politically motivated. He insists the Amnesty Law, designed to facilitate prosecutions against high-ranking military officials responsible for war crimes, is being misused to target him and other critics of the Bukele administration.
“This is a typical case of an absolute mistake by the Government,” Zamora stated pointedly. He emphasizes that the law, which he helped draft, was passed unanimously and intended to advance justice, not hinder it.
Under Attack, Fighting Back
Zamora recounts the initial arrest warrant, which also targeted three former deputies and former President Alfredo Félix cristiani. He alleges that the warrant was orchestrated by the Presidential House, revealing what he believes to be a coordinated effort to suppress dissent.
Facing down imminent arrest, Zamora went into hiding for several months, using the time to mobilize support and pressure the judicial system. His activism and legal maneuvering ultimately led to the annulment of the first arrest warrant,but not before highlighting the precarious state of democracy in El Salvador.
The ongoing legal pressure continues to raise concerns about the rule of law,freedom of expression,and the fragility of hard-won peace in El Salvador. Zamora’s case is seen as a bellwether for the broader climate of political intimidation and the suppression of opposition voices under the Bukele administration.
The international community, including human rights organizations and foreign governments, are closely watching these developments, urging the Salvadoran government to uphold democratic principles and guarantee the safety of it’s citizens.
