As free press withers in El Salvador, pro-government social media influencers grow in power

Guzman takes video with his smartphone at Liberty Plaza in San Salvador, El Salvador. Guzman is part of a network of social media personalities acting as a megaphone for, and cashing in on, Bukele’s message. — AP

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador: Douglas Guzmán’s TikTok feed was dotted with workout routines and videos showcasing his favourite parts of his country.

That changed about a year ago, as rights groups, civil society and even some officials criticised El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele for violating human rights in his crackdown on criminal gangs, and said that his unconstitutional bid for re-election would corrode the country’s democracy.