What Is a Prisoner of Conscience? Ruth López's Case According to Amnesty International

What does "prisoner of conscience" mean?

The term prisoner of conscience was coined by Amnesty International (AI) in the 1960s and has become one of the most recognized categories in international human rights law. It serves as a global alarm signal that the international community recognizes in cases of political repression.

According to AI's official definition, a person is considered a prisoner of conscience when:

• They have been deprived of their liberty through detention or imprisonment.
• Their detention is due solely to their peaceful expression of beliefs, opinions, or identity, including human rights advocacy.
• They have not used or advocated for violence under any circumstances.
• They have not committed common crimes that legally justify their detention.

"Amnesty International considers a prisoner of conscience to be any person imprisoned or otherwise physically restricted solely for their political, religious or other conscientiously held beliefs, provided they have not used or advocated violence." — Amnesty International official definition

This designation is not an honorary award. It is a declaration of urgency: when AI declares someone a prisoner of conscience, it affirms that their detention is unjust and that they must be released immediately and unconditionally.

Ruth López declared a prisoner of conscience

In July 2025, Amnesty International formally declared Ruth Eleonora López Alfaro a prisoner of conscience. The Salvadoran lawyer, recognized for her work in Cristosal's Anti-Corruption Unit exposing corruption within the Bukele regime, was arrested on May 18, 2025 in circumstances that AI considered a clear case of political persecution.

AI's decision was based on:

1. Her arrest without a judicial warrant under a false pretext.

2. The complete absence of proven crimes —initial embezzlement charges were changed without justification to illicit enrichment.

3. Evidence that her detention was a response to her human rights work denouncing government corruption.

4. The 40 hours of enforced disappearance following her arrest, during which her family did not know her whereabouts.

5. Her total incommunicado detention since July 4, 2025 at the Izalco Penitentiary Center, violating IACHR precautionary measures.

How you can help

Ruth López is today one of the most visible prisoners of conscience in Latin America. To help secure her release:

• Sign the Avaaz petition demanding her immediate release.
• Share her story on social media with the hashtag #FreeRuthLopez.
• Contact Salvadoran authorities demanding compliance with IACHR measures.