Entrances to the central campus of the University of San Carlos de Guatemala, in zone 12, remain with demonstrations this Wednesday, July 1, over the issue of the continuity of Walter Mazariegos as rector.
In addition, it is observed that sheets were placed to prevent visibility towards the Central Plaza of the campus. The situation remains tense.
According to some protesters, sirens were installed to prevent the slogans against Walter Mazariegos from being heard.
Personnel from the Human Rights Ombudsman’s Office (PDH) are also at the site to verify how the demonstration is developing.
At the entrance to the Peripheral Ring there is a group against the re-election of Mazariegos. At the access to Petapa Avenue there is a group related to the rector.
Early in the morning, the Municipal Traffic Police reported that internal USAC authorities were reviewing documents at the entrance gates to that study house on Petapa Avenue and the Peripheral Ring, which caused slow traffic on both sections.
On Tuesday, The Constitutional Court granted provisional protection to the USAC and ordered the Ministry of the Interior to maintain surveillance and security measures on the perimeter of the central campus derived from the inauguration of Mazariegos, scheduled for July 1.
CSU calls for the first session of Walter Mazariegos’ new period as rector of the Usac
To read more: Mazariegos’ election has been surrounded by legal actions that point to a series of irregularities in his re-election.
The Higher University Council called a virtual session for this July 1 at 11 a.m. This session would be the first of Walter Mazariegos’ new term as rector of USAC.
Tension upon entering the USAC
At the entrance to the campus through the Peripheral Ring, pressurized water was thrown at the people who were demonstrating against Walter Mazariegos. Tension continues at the site between the groups and the presence of observers.
They have also thrown stones, bottles, rockets and bombs at those who demonstrate against the rector.
Agents of the National Civil Police tried to mediate to avoid riots; However, they were also hit by the thrown objects.
Rector addressed message
The Usac reported that, in the Plaza de las Banderas, Walter Mazariegos addressed a message this July 1, in which he presented a report on “the main advances, projects and actions promoted during the last four years of management.”
“Likewise, on the occasion of the beginning of a new period at the head of the University, he shared the challenges and commitments that will continue to guide the institutional work in favor of strengthening public higher education,” according to Usac.
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