Ruth López is a lawyer and human rights defender known for her strong belief in justice and accountability. When she wasn’t teaching or mentoring young lawyers and activists, Ruth enjoyed 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.
TAKE ACTION
SEND an email
Call on the Attorney General of El Salvador, Rodolfo Delgado Montes, to immediately and unconditionally release Ruth López and to drop all charges against her. Send your message using our email writing tool.
WRITE A SOLIDARITY CARD TO RUTH
Send your messages of solidarity along with drawings of orchids, as Ruth enjoys reading and caring for her garden of orchids, and quotes from your favorite books.
WRITE LETTERS to the Attorney General of the Republic of El Salvador
Demand that the Salvadoran authorities immediately and unconditionally release Ruth López and drop all charges against her.
Download the 2026 letter writing kit, which includes all case cards, sample letters, address labels, and more! Find additional resources on our Resources page.
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