The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has issued an urgent call for El Salvador to repeal its recent enactment of the “foreign agents” law, which they describe as a significant threat to press freedom and civil liberties. The contentious legislation, passed on May 20 by the Legislative Assembly, which is dominated by President Nayib Bukele’s party, mandates that any organization or individual receiving international funds must register with the Ministry of Interior. Additionally, such funds are subject to a 30 percent tax, and the government is empowered to monitor, fine, or shut down entities that fail to comply, as noted by CPJ in their report (Committee to Protect Journalists).
Concerns have been raised by journalists and legal experts regarding the broad and ambiguous language of the law, which could enable authorities to arbitrate classifications of foreign agents for individuals including freelance reporters, trainers, and nonprofit workers. Receiving foreign support might unjustly label them as hostile entities due to the law’s sweeping provisions.
Human Rights Watch warns that the law could be instrumentalized to target civil society and independent media sectors, particularly those that frequently expose corruption or misconduct within the government. They argue that this threatens to curtail freedoms that El Salvador is obligated to uphold as per international law (Human Rights Watch).
While supporters assert that this law promotes transparency and enhances national sovereignty, critics claim it is another step in a broader agenda to marginalize dissenting voices and undermine organizations that scrutinize or challenge President Bukele’s administration. Such actions have previously been observed in authoritarian contexts, where similar laws are utilized to suppress opposition (DW).
In a bid to counter this legislation, CPJ joined 21 international and regional organizations in issuing a joint statement condemning the law. They warned it could weaken democratic principles, increase censorship, and erode the rights of both the press and civil society groups that depend on foreign support for independent and transparent operations (Joint Statement).
This law’s approval is seen as part of President Bukele’s ongoing strategy to consolidate power, according to various observers. The legislation, they argue, cements his rhetoric that foreign-funded organizations serve as foreign influences impeding national sovereignty (Associated Press).