El Faro’s Assets Frozen Amid Escalating Tensions in El Salvador
In a move denounced as politically motivated, El Faro, a Salvadoran investigative news organization, announced that its financial and property assets have been frozen. This development is seen as part of ongoing tensions with the government led by President Nayib Bukele, whom El Faro has frequently criticized for alleged corruption.
During a press briefing, El Faro’s Director Carlos Dada stated, “It’s another level of attack against us with a clear purpose. These are not fiscal measures. They are political measures trying to silence us.” The outlet has been a vocal critic of Bukele, particularly highlighting claims that his government has engaged in negotiations with gangs.
Bukele, who was elected in 2019 on a platform of anti-corruption, has faced criticism from human rights organizations over his administration’s handling of dissent and alleged civil rights abuses. Under a prolonged state of exception, over 91,000 individuals have reportedly been detained. The President’s office has yet to comment on the recent asset freeze, though Bukele has previously dismissed El Faro’s reports as “fake news.”
El Faro discovered the asset freeze through its bank and the property registry, rather than receiving a formal notification from government authorities. Since 2020, the organization has been under audit by Salvadoran officials, with accusations of tax evasion amounting to $200,000, a claim which Dada refutes.
The outlet has also experienced digital attacks, with over 20 of its journalists’ iPhones targeted by spyware in 2022. In response, El Faro’s journalists initiated legal action against NSO Group in a United States federal court later that year.
Due to the oppressive environment in El Salvador, El Faro relocated its headquarters to Costa Rica in 2023, with many staff members living in exile. The situation in El Salvador further intensified in 2025 with the arrest of Ruth López, a prominent human rights activist, who remains imprisoned without trial.
Following López’s arrest, Cristosal, a leading human rights organization in El Salvador, decided to cease operations in the country, citing harassment and legal threats. The tactic of freezing assets and conducting audits is reportedly being employed elsewhere in the region, reminiscent of strategies used by Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega to suppress dissent.
Claudia Paz y Paz, representing El Faro through the Costa Rican-based Center for Justice and International Law, commented on the situation, describing the asset freeze as “retaliation” intended to “silence the voices of journalists.”
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