El Salvador: Urgent Call for Release of Imprisoned Community Defenders José Ángel Pérez and Alejandro henríquez
El Salvador is facing increasing scrutiny over the arbitrary detention of community defenders José Ángel Pérez and Alejandro Henríquez, unjustly imprisoned as May 2025 for peacefully protesting in defense of the rights of the El bosque community. Amnesty International has issued an urgent call for their immediate and unconditional release, highlighting a concerning pattern of criminalization targeting those who advocate for justice and territorial rights within the country. A crucial hearing to review their provisional detention order is scheduled for October 29th, representing a pivotal moment in their case.
The Case: Peaceful Protest Met with Unjust Imprisonment
Pérez and Henríquez were arrested following a peaceful presentation aimed at protecting the rights of the el Bosque community. The charges leveled against them - ”resistance” and “public disorder” – are demonstrably lacking in evidence, raising serious concerns about due process and the presumption of innocence. amnesty International has meticulously documented the irregularities in the proceedings, which fundamentally violate internationally recognized fair trial standards.
This case isn’t isolated. It reflects a disturbing trend in El Salvador where human rights defenders are increasingly targeted for their work, facing intimidation, harassment, and ultimately, arbitrary detention. The deliberate silencing of these voices undermines the foundations of a just and equitable society.
Violations of Fundamental Human Rights
Since their arrest, both men have been subjected to deeply concerning conditions. Initial periods of incommunicado detention – complete isolation from the outside world – considerably heightened the risk of torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. Furthermore, they are being held within a severely overcrowded prison system, exacerbating the already dire circumstances.
These actions are not merely individual injustices; they represent a systematic attempt to suppress dissent and discourage community activism. The criminalization of those defending human rights sends a chilling message to anyone who dares to challenge power or demand accountability.
Amnesty International Designates defenders as prisoners of Conscience
In July 2025, Amnesty International officially recognized José Ángel Pérez and Alejandro Henríquez as Prisoners of Conscience. This designation, reserved for individuals imprisoned solely for the peaceful expression of their beliefs, underscores the fundamentally unjust nature of their detention. It signifies that their imprisonment is a direct violation of their fundamental human rights, specifically their rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association.
“José Ángel and Alejandro should never have spent a single day in prison for peacefully exercising their right to defend the rights of their community,” states ana Piquer, Americas Director at Amnesty international. “Their detention is arbitrary and deeply unjust. October 29 represents an possibility for the authorities to rectify this injustice, guarantee full respect for due process, and ensure their immediate and unconditional release.”
The Broader context: A Pattern of Repression
The detention of Pérez and Henríquez is symptomatic of a broader crackdown on civil society in El Salvador. Human rights organizations have reported a growing number of cases involving the criminalization of land defenders, environmental activists, and community leaders. This repression is often justified under the guise of maintaining public order or combating gang violence, but in reality, it serves to silence critical voices and protect vested interests.
The long-term consequences of this trend are profound. By suppressing dissent and undermining the rule of law,the Salvadoran authorities are eroding the very foundations of a democratic society. A vibrant and engaged civil society is essential for holding power accountable and ensuring that the rights of all citizens are protected.
The Urgent Need for Action
The October 29th hearing is a critical juncture. The salvadoran authorities have the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to human rights and the rule of law by ordering the immediate and unconditional release of José Ángel Pérez and Alejandro Henríquez. Failure to do so will send a clear signal that the criminalization of human rights defenders will continue unchecked.
International pressure and sustained advocacy are crucial to securing their release and protecting the rights of all those who work to defend justice and equality in El Salvador.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Imprisonment of josé Ángel Pérez and alejandro Henríquez
1. Who are José Ángel Pérez and Alejandro Henríquez, and why were they arrested?
José Ángel Pérez and Alejandro henríquez are community defenders who were arrested in May 2025 following a peaceful protest in defense of the rights of the El Bosque community in El Salvador. They face charges of “resistance” and “public disorder,” which Amnesty International believes are unfounded and politically motivated.
2. What is amnesty International’s position on the detention of these community defenders?
Amnesty International considers José Ángel Pérez and Alejandro Henríquez to be Prisoners of Conscience, meaning they are