The transfer of Salvadoran human rights defender Fidel Zavala, to the prison known as Mariona, which took place on April 2, is extremely worrying

Salvadoran human rights defender Fidel Zavala risks being subjected to torture and other ill-treatment. Zavala was recently moved to a prison where the same guards work, he had previously accused of torturing and ill-treating people in detention. Zavala’s life and personal integrity are at imminent risk.  

“The transfer of Salvadoran human rights defender Fidel Zavala, to the prison known as Mariona, which took place on April 2, is extremely worrying. By moving him to a prison where the guards he previously accused of torture are in control, the authorities are putting his life and personal integrity at imminent risk”, said Ana Piquer, Amnesty Director for the Americas. 

“The transfer of Salvadoran human rights defender Fidel Zavala, to the prison known as Mariona, which took place on April 2, is extremely worrying. By moving him to a prison where the guards he previously accused of torture are in control, the authorities are putting his life and personal integrity at imminent risk.”

Ana Piquer, Americas director at Amnesty International

On 25 February 2025, Fidel Zavala, spokesperson for the Unidad de Defensa de Derechos Humanos y Comunitarios (UNIDEHC), was detained by Salvadoran authorities in a raid that included the search of UNIDEHC’s headquarters, the home of lawyer Ivania Cruz—Director of the organization—and the arrest of more than 20 community leaders from La Floresta. Zavala’s detention is particularly concerning, as he has been a witness and denounced torture or other ill-treatment in penitentiary centers. Amnesty International issued an Urgent Action,  in which it urges the authorities to guarantee the physical and psychological integrity of Fidel Zavala and all detainees and to respect their right to a fair trial.