The tension continues this Wednesday, July 1, at the entrance to the central campus of the University of San Carlos de Guatemala (Usac), in zone 12, after Walter Mazariegos assumed a new term as rector of the university, in a process that continues to be rejected by different university sectors, which point out alleged irregularities in the election.
During the afternoon, a confrontation took place between groups related to and opposed to Mazariegos on the outskirts of the campus.
Protesters who remained outside the university stated that people inside the campus were armed and fired several shots. So far, authorities have not confirmed this version.
A contingent of the National Civil Police (PNC) remains at the site. A commissioner indicated that the agents were deployed for preventive purposes to avoid incidents.
Since the early hours of the morning, the entrances to the campus remained under guard and with the presence of protesters. In addition, sheets were placed to prevent visibility towards the Central Plaza.
Some protesters pointed out that sirens were also installed to prevent the slogans directed against Mazariegos from being heard.
On Tuesday, the Constitutional Court granted provisional protection to the University of San Carlos and ordered the Ministry of the Interior to maintain surveillance and security measures around the perimeter of the central campus on the occasion of Mazariegos’ inauguration.
The election of Mazariegos remains under question and has been the subject of various legal actions promoted by university sectors that denounce alleged irregularities during the electoral process.
In addition, the Higher University Council convened a virtual session for this July 1, at 11 a.m., the first corresponding to Mazariegos’ new period as rector.
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