U.S. to pull El Salvador funds on 'deep concerns' over recent dismissals

[Judi Lynn]

1. USAID 'redirects' El Salvador funds from government to civil society

BY RAFAEL BERNAL - 05/21/21 05:26 PM EDT

The U.S. Agency for International Development on Friday pulled funding for certain sectors of El Salvador's government, granting those benefits to civil society groups.

In a statement, USAID Administrator Samantha Power said the move was a reaction to the Salvadoran government's decision to remove the country's top judges.

"USAID has deep concerns regarding the Salvadoran Legislative Assembly's May 1st vote to remove the Attorney General and all five magistrates of the Constitutional Chamber of El Salvador's Supreme Court, and larger concerns about transparency and accountability," said Power.

"In response, USAID is redirecting assistance away from these institutions, the National Civilian Police, and the Institute for Access to Public Information."

The Salvadoran Legislative Assembly on May 1 voted to remove the country's top judges and a day later armed police showed up at the attorney general's headquarters to remove the country's top law enforcement officer.

El Salvador's assembly, controlled by President Nayib Bukele's New Ideas party, essentially granted him control over the country's Supreme Court with the move.

More:
https://thehill.com/latino/554829-usaid-redirects-el-salvador-funds-from-government-to-civil-society