El Salvador's President Releases Father of Soccer Player After Social Media Plea
Salvadoran president releases soccer player's father from prison after social media plea, amid accusations of human rights abuses and power consolidation.
San Salvador, April 8, 2023 - Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele has ordered the release of the father of Marcelo “El Chiky” Díaz, a player for El Salvador's national soccer team, following a plea made by the athlete on social media. This move comes after the player's father was wrongfully arrested by the police on suspicion of being a gang member while en route to watch his son play on March 30.
A Social Media Plea
Marcelo “El Chiky” Díaz took to social media, specifically X (formerly Twitter), to make a public appeal for the release of his father. In a heartfelt letter, he directly addressed President Bukele, imploring him to correct the mistake and allow his father to return home to his regular life and family. Díaz emphasized that his father has always been law-abiding and has never been involved in any criminal activities.
Context of Wider Crackdown
The arrest of Díaz's father is part of a larger campaign to tackle gang-related activities in El Salvador. President Bukele declared a “state of emergency” in March 2022, during which many constitutional rights were suspended and nearly 80,000 individuals, constituting over 1% of the country's population, were detained on suspicion of gang affiliations. However, concerns have been raised about the lack of substantial evidence in these cases and the conditions of the prisons where the individuals are being held.
Repercussions and Release
Following public outcry and international scrutiny, the Salvadoran government acknowledged that errors had been made in some arrests under the state of emergency. Vice President Félix Ulloa revealed that approximately 7,000 individuals who were detained during this period had subsequently been released. Marcelo “El Chiky” Díaz's plea on social media, posted on Tuesday, swiftly led to the release of his father, who returned home on Wednesday. Díaz expressed his gratitude for the support received and confirmed his father's well-being upon his return.
President Bukele's decision to release Díaz's father aligns with his broader approach to governance and his efforts to shape his international image. Despite facing criticism from human rights organizations and global leaders, Bukele has utilized social media and popular figures, including sports personalities, to connect with his supporters and reshape the narrative surrounding his leadership.
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