Tributes & Homages

Ruth's struggle has inspired artists, activists, and citizens to express themselves through art, music, and words.

A letter from Cristosal

A letter that cannot get into the prison

For her birthday, her friends at Cristosal wrote to Ruth. The State won't let her receive it, so we publish it for the world to read it for her.

Read the letter

UndeliveredIzalco Penitentiary

Hi, Ruth.

It feels strange to write this letter knowing you won't be able to read it, because the Salvadoran State does not allow you to receive anything from the outside — the same as happens to most of the innocent people unjustly detained after more than four years under the state of exception.

We are writing to wish you a happy birthday — your 49th. We hope that next year we can celebrate your 50th in freedom, hug you and celebrate your life together with your family and all the people who love you so much. In the meantime, all we can do is write you this letter and tell you a little about everything that has happened in a year: you in prison; us in exile.

September 27

Happy birthday, Ruth

Her second birthday in prison. Voices from different places came together to tell her she is not alone: four video messages recorded by Amnesty International.