May 12, 2025

In the most recent Amnesty Urgent Action letter, the TRU Students’ Union has called on President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador to ensure the safety of Fidel Zavala and all individuals detained following the violent raid on the Unidad de Defensa de Derechos Humanos y Comunitarios (Unit for the Defense of Human and Community Rights, or UNIDHEC) headquarters. The letter urges the President to immediately relocate Zavala from the notorious Mariona prison to a facility that respects international standards while he awaits a fair trial. 

“It’s important that we stand in solidarity with human rights activists like Fidel Zavala, who risk their lives to stand up and protect the human rights that are being violated in their country,” said Samantha Jo Haire, TRUSU Equity Committee Executive. 

Zavala, the spokesperson for UNIDHEC, has long been a courageous voice for those suffering under government abuse in El Salvador, particularly in the prison system. Since February, he and 20 other community leaders have been charged with “illicit associations”, an accusation widely denounced as politically motivated and unsupported by evidence. His transfer to Mariona prison, a facility historically known for violence and human rights violations, has raised fears for his safety. During his detention, he has spoken up about his experience in this facility, has been subjected to degrading treatment and threats by prison staff. 

The targeting of UNIDHEC members is part of a larger pattern of repression in El Salvador under the ongoing state of emergency. Since March 2022, over 75,000 people have been detained in a government crackdown that has drawn criticism from international human rights organizations. This mass incarceration campaign often lacks due process and disproportionately affects community leaders and marginalized groups. The criminalization of organizations like UNIDHEC undermines civil society and sends a chilling message to anyone who dares speak out. 

“When community leaders are silenced through arbitrary arrests and intimidation, the whole country suffers. We can’t allow governments to use fear and violence to erase human rights work,” said Haire. 

We hope that President Bukele will act swiftly to uphold the rights of Fidel Zavala and ensure justice for all those unjustly detained. 

The Amnesty Urgent Actions Program allows for the Union to consistently take solidarity action regarding international human rights injustices that matter to students. Click this link to see injustices we have addressed previously, and for further information about this issue or to see a copy of the letter, contact the Equity Coordinator below.