The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), acting within the framework of the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, have expressed deep concern regarding the repeated acts of harassment and intimidation directed at Roxana Cardona. These organizations, along with several undersigned groups, are urging the Salvadoran authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into these incidents, guarantee Cardona’s physical and psychological well-being, and cease any reprisals stemming from her professional activities and public commentary.
Cardona is a human rights attorney and the founder and director of Justicia Social y Contraloría Ciudadana. She has been actively involved in public debates concerning the legal and social implications of the government’s security strategy. Her work involves challenging restrictions on due process guarantees, the presumption of innocence, and the right to effective defense for detainees. Additionally, she provides legal assistance to individuals held under the state of emergency and publicly denounces human rights violations. Her efforts include filing two constitutional challenges against decrees regulating the emergency regime and the Mining Act, as well as submitting habeas corpus petitions on behalf of victims.
According to reports, two officers from the National Civil Police (PNC) recently visited Cardona’s residence. They requested to see her Unique Identity Document (DUI), recorded her personal details, and photographed the property without providing a clear explanation for their actions. Following her public denunciation of this incident, she received a message from a police officer indicating that senior officials were displeased with her. Cardona believes these events are connected to her critical statements regarding the authorities. She has also reported that her social media accounts were blocked and faced attempts at unauthorized access.
These incidents occur within a broader context of surveillance and police presence that has preceded the arrests of other lawyers and human rights defenders in El Salvador. Notable cases include Ruth López, arrested at her home on 18 May 2025, and Enrique Anaya, arrested on 7 June 2025. The harassment of Cardona began in 2024 when she reported police presence near her home. Subsequently, she faced an unfounded complaint alleging domestic violence, during which authorities reportedly attempted to remove her daughter from her custody. Due to persistent harassment and safety fears, Cardona was forced to leave El Salvador temporarily in 2025, only for the harassment to resume upon her return.
This case highlights serious concerns regarding human rights violations and restrictions on judicial safeguards since the imposition of the state of emergency in March 2022. During this period, arbitrary arrests, obstacles to the right to defense, and acts of intimidation against lawyers who question authorities have been documented. The organizations warn of the risk of further reprisals, including arbitrary detention, exacerbated by Cardona’s fragile health and potential difficulties in securing effective legal defense in a context marked by reports of incommunicado detention.
Referencing Principles 16 and 23 of the United Nations Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers, the signatories emphasize that lawyers must practice free from intimidation and undue interference. They call on Salvadoran authorities to investigate the alleged incidents independently, ensure Cardona’s safety, and respect her right to defend human rights. The international community is urged to demand protection for Cardona, release arbitrarily detained lawyers, and end all forms of intimidation against independent legal practitioners in El Salvador.
This report was produced by the HuMedia newsroom.
