Eric Jacobstein, former U.S. deputy assistant secretary of state for Western Hemisphere affairs and senior fellow at the Inter-American Dialogue: “Cristosal—which has been at the forefront of advancing justice and the rule of law in Central America since 2000—made the right decision in leaving El Salvador, given the threats it faces from the Bukele administration and the arbitrary detention of its anti-corruption and justice unit chief, Ruth López. That decision, and Cristosal’s broader mission, were further validated on July 28, when the highly reputable and nonpartisan American Bar Association announced that López will receive its 2025 International Human Rights Award—recognition of Cristosal’s vital work exposing human rights abuses and corruption in El Salvador. Cristosal’s departure sends a clear message to the international community—including both Republicans and Democrats in the U.S. Congress—that dissent in El Salvador comes at a cost. Just like the many Cubans, Venezuelans and Nicaraguans who…”