Cristosal leaves El Salvador
July 18, 2025
Cristosal, El Salvador’s top human rights organization founded by Anglican bishops 25 years ago, announced it would be suspending operations in the country, reports Reuters. The group’s executive director, Noah Bullock, said employees–20 of whom have fled the country in the past weeks–will be going into exile as a result of growing police harassment and threats by President Nayib Bukele.
Cristosal was one of the most prominent groups investigating and revealing prison deaths, torture, and other abuses committed by the Bukele administration, and has recently begun investigating alleged corruption within the government (AP News). The New York Times explains, “While international groups raised alarms over eroding civil liberties and abuses under Mr. Bukele, Cristosal has been known for putting names and faces to the numbers, working closely with victims and families to bring to light arbitrary arrests and prison deaths.” The group has been particularly critical of Bukele’s state of exception, implemented in March 2022, which has resulted in the suspension of civil liberties for those accused–albeit several incorrectly–of belonging to gangs, and over 80,000 imprisoned.
As AP News says, “Bukele’s government has long targeted opponents, but Cristosal Executive Director Noah Bullock said things reached a tipping point in recent months as Bukele has grown empowered by his alliance with Trump,” allowing the Salvadoran President to take additional measures to stifle dissent. The United States has remained silent in response to recent arrests, including those of anti-corruption lawyers Ruth López and Enrique Amaya. “The Bukele administration has unleashed a wave of repression over the past few months ... There’s been an exodus of civil society leaders, professionals, and even businessmen,” said Bullock.
Brazil
In light of the recently-announced investigation by the U.S. Trade Representative of Brazil’s trade policies, the Atlantic Council provides an overview of the current U.S.-Brazil economic relationship, noting the importance of the bilateral trade relationship for both countries.
In a New York Times op-ed, Brazil’s attorney general Jorge Messias calls upon the United States to consider the 200 years of a “mature, diverse, and strategic [bilateral] relationship,” arguing that the threat of tariffs and allegations of censorship of U.S. tech companies are breaking the mutual trust established between both countries.
Regarding Trump’s imposition of tariffs in an attempt to influence the country’s judicial proceedings against former President Jair Bolsonaro, Messias writes, “As attorney general, I must emphasize that the Brazilian government categorically rejects any efforts by outside parties to interfere in our judicial processes…No foreign government has the right to dictate or question the administration of justice in our country. The defense of legality and the autonomy of our institutions are nonnegotiable pillars of our democracy.”
Bolsonaro was recently ordered to wear an ankle monitor following the execution of two search and seizure warrants by the federal police, says AP News, in addition to not being allowed to use social media or be in contact with any other individuals being investigated by the Supreme Court.
Colombia
President Gustavo Petro announced that Colombia would cease to be a global partner of NATO, citing the multilateral organization’s position on Israel’s actions in Gaza to be at odds with Colombia’s current foreign policy, reports Infobae. Colombia has been collaborating with NATO since 2013, and became a global partner in 2017.
Petro is expected to travel to Haiti today (June 18) before returning to Colombia tomorrow, ahead of the country’s July 20 Independence Day celebrations, says Infobae.
Regional
According to Reuters, foreign direct investment (FDI) in Latin America reached $188.96 billion in 2024, representing a 7.1% increase from the previous year. However, the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) notes that the lack of new investments in the region, and the effect of U.S. tariffs and trade policies, are likely to impact future investment in the region.
According to the ECLAC report, 38% of total FDI went to Brazil and 24% to Mexico, while investments in natural resources in Argentina rose 44%.
Argentina
Credit rating agency Moody’s upgraded Argentina’s outlook from “stable” to “positive,” reports MercoPress. The country’s foreign and local currency rating was also upgraded from Caa3 to Caa1. A statement from Moody’s reads, “The upgrade reflects our view that the broad liberalization of exchange controls and, to a lesser extent, capital controls, together with a new program with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), support the availability of foreign currency liquidity and ease pressure on external finances.”
Mexico
The Economist outlines how several of the cash transfers that have become a staple of the policies of the ruling Morena administration have been more effective to improve Morena’s image and less effective in improving the lives of those they are intended to help.
Peru
President Dina Boluarte called for the country’s next president to be able to serve the full 5-year presidential term, citing that investors are more likely to be wary of future projects in Peru if the country removes its leadership every year, says Gestion.
Venezuela
Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro announced that GDP in the second trimester of 2025 grew more than 6%, the 17th trimester of consecutive economic growth, reports MercoPress.