Bitcoin Developer Jon Atack Arrested in El Salvador, Freed After Retaining Lawyer

Jon Atack, a senior Bitcoin developer, was arrested in El Salvador over the weekend due to "false accusations" of violence against women. He was later released and his belongings returned. Atack's neighbor had reported him to the authorities after a heated verbal dispute over a land dispute. Atack has thanked everyone for their support and claimed that the police were "professional and friendly."

El Salvador, July 2, 2025 - Jon Atack, a senior Bitcoin developer, was arrested in El Salvador over the weekend following a heated verbal dispute with a neighbor. The incident highlights the complexities of the country's "Special Comprehensive Law for a Life Free of Violence for Women" (LEIV), which has been criticized for its broad application.

Atack, a long-time contributor to Bitcoin Core, was arrested after his neighbor accused him of insulting her during a land dispute. The dispute, which involved Atack's recent purchase of a piece of land, escalated when the neighbor alleged that Atack called her "stupid." This incident resulted in Atack being detained and facing potential charges under Article 55 (c) of LEIV, which punishes verbal and emotional abuse with fines and imprisonment [1].

Atack was quickly released after being held for a short period. He expressed gratitude for the support he received and noted that the police were "professional and friendly." The quick resolution of the incident suggests that the legal system may have been influenced by external factors, possibly including the intervention of influential figures in the Bitcoin community [1].

This case underscores the challenges faced by individuals caught in the legal quagmire of LEIV. The law, while intended to protect women from violence, has been criticized for its vague language and potential misuse in everyday disputes. The incident also highlights the need for a balanced approach to legal enforcement that respects individual rights and the complexities of modern social interactions [1].

References:
[1] https://api.news.bitcoin.com/wp-json/bcn/v1/post?slug=bitcoin-core-developer-arrested-in-el-salvador-for-allegedly-calling-neighbor-stupid