Monday roundup: What to watch this week in LATAM
PWS puts the "news" back in "newsletter"
A look at the big LATAM news that happened over the weekend, and the developing stories to watch this week!
Stories to watch
Corruption investigator detained in El Salvador
El Salvador this morning arrested Ruth Eleonora López, a prominent human rights defender and the head of the anti-corruption and justice unit at Cristosal, a leading Salvadoran human rights organization. Cristosal has denounced her detention as a “likely short-term enforced disappearance.”
Human Rights Watch has denounced the move by President Nayib Bukele, and the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA) has demanded her release, saying “As head of Cristosal’s anti-corruption team, Ruth has tirelessly fought to expose corruption in El Salvador. Members of civil society must be free to do their jobs without fear of criminalization.”
Colombia’s most powerful unions begin deliberations today on a National Strike
With the support of President Gustavo Petro, Colombia’s labor unions have begun organizing community councils that could decide to shut down the economy in an attempt to force Congress into approving a labor reform.
The General Labor Confederation (CGT) and the United Workers Central (CUT) said that they will hold a “social, political and popular summit” at the National University in Bogota on Monday.
Last week, the Senate used procedural measures to topple a popular referendum on the labor reform bill, which, according to polling, has a more than 70% approval rating among voters.
Boularte charged (again) with corruption in Peru
The Prosecutor's Office of Peru on Friday filed a constitutional complaint against the Peruvian president, Dina Boluarte, and the former minister Juan Santiváñez. They charge that the two aided and covered up the escape of Vladimir Cerrón, leader of the Peru Libre party and erstwhile political ally.
The charges are merely the latest for a President with a 2% approval rating who is already facing investigations into her expensive Rolex watch collection, and accusations that she used public funds to pay for plastic surgery (no, really haha.)
The Big Stories over the weekend
Mexican Navy ship crashes into New York’s Brooklyn Bridge, killing 2 people
A Mexican Navy sailing ship has crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City, killing at least two people and injuring 19 others, according to the city’s mayor, Eric Adams.
“At this time, of the 277 on board, 19 sustained injuries, 2 of which remain in critical condition, and 2 more have sadly passed away from their injuries,” Adams posted on X on Sunday.
A Cat was caught smuggling drugs into Costa Rica (yes, a cat)
PWS has nothing here. Reality has exceeded our wildest imaginings. But the BBC has a video piece on this story you can watch here.
And with that, you, dear reader, are up to speed! Hasta pronto!