Salvador San Salvador - El Salvador President Nayib Bukele on Monday ordered police to arrest five bus companies in Central American countries via social media for violating his free transportation for free a week after the shutdown of large highways.

This command is another example of Buckler's weightlifting tactics. The second leader has been accused of undermining democratic institutions, punishing dissidents and denying due process under a “state of emergency” declared in 2022 to fight the country’s powerful street gangs. Despite the crackdown, the government denied that the country was a police state.

On Sunday, Bucker announced through X that all bus fares will be completely free as the government is working on a major highway running through San Salvador.

The order caused widespread chaos on Monday, refueling on long-distance bus lines and overcrowded buses in the El Salvador capital, skipping many routes.

In response, Buckler ordered the principals who occupied five bus companies on Monday to accuse them of "destroying the country." He claimed the government covers "100% of the usual daily income", but the Associated Press was unable to verify the information immediately with bus drivers.

"National Civil Police should arrest the owner of the route involved," Berkler wrote in a social media post. "No one is above the law."

Late Monday, the country's federal police station released photos of a handcuffed man surrounded by armed personnel, saying they were detained for "violating duties, refusing aid and extortion" and provided little details about their arrest.

The National Transportation Commission, which represents the companies concerned, said in a statement that they were surprised by the arrest. They will announce the free rides a day ago and they cannot inform everyone of the fact that they blame certain routes.

Luis Regalado, a trade team member, said many drivers are paid every day and it is unclear how or who will pay.

The organization's secretary Lucio Vázquez called on Bukele, who he said they had worked with his government. “We’re not saying we won’t continue to offer free services,” he said.

Despite opposition from U.S. judges and human rights groups, Bukele has gained international attention in the detention of more than 200 Venezuelan deportation of Venezuela.

He has been facing sharp criticisms as he soared in El Salvador over the years with global leaders, lawyers and human rights groups accusing him of denying due process for citizens, violating the country's constitution by seeking to regain and consolidate power.

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