In the midst of tensions at the University of San Carlos de Guatemala (USAC), the General Directorate of Administration reported this Tuesday, February 20, about a incident with hooded armed men at the Experimental Teaching Center of Agronomy (CEDA).
According to the official statement, internal security agents identified and removed individuals from the Agronomy facultywho refused to identify themselves and displayed aggressive behavior.
“USAC internal security agents realized the presence of hooded men from the Faculty of Agronomy armed with bats and axes in the areas near the Experimental Teaching Center of Agronomy (CEDA)”, the incident is described.
The institution confirmed that the Human Rights Ombudsman’s Office (PDH) has been present at the scene to clarify the facts, and stated that it maintains a commitment to human rights, while referring to the fact that the University Security Department “works in “in favor of the integral well-being of all Sancarlistas”.
In its official position, the University highlights that the prohibition of carrying out baptisms and all those activities “that denigrate human dignity” has been in force since 2017, and recalls that the Higher University Council (CSU) recently approved reforms to the internal regulations.
In addition to prohibiting activities such as “baptism” or “welcome”, it also highlights the restriction to carry lethal and non-lethal weapons, such as firearms, knives, bats or clubs with barbed wire or nails, axes, stones, among others.
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The bans were announced on February 16, three weeks after hooded men carried out a violent episode that left three injured, due to a fight in the law school building.
This conflict between hooded individuals and individuals went viral through a video on social networks, generating reactions among the university community.
The USAC gates are closed 👉 follow alternate routes to avoid traffic jam 👈🏼
⚠️ Firefighters have managed to enter to treat several injured people after a fight in a building
🚨 They report that another group is intervening to open floodgates.
👮♂️ PNC on the perimeter. pic.twitter.com/1WcnftP53u
— Amilcar Montejo (@amilcarmontejo) January 27, 2024
According to the administration, the new provisions in the regulations “seek to counteract the activities that have distorted the spirit of the Dolores Strike, causing illegal acts and humiliation against the university community, as well as the undermining of the prestige of the USAC.”
“The regulations respect the right of student association,” the statement states.
The General Directorate of Administration of the University of San Carlos of Guatemala
to public opinion
MAKE IT KNOWN: pic.twitter.com/HKJY4Q32Gd
— University of San Carlos de Guatemala (@SoyUSAC) February 20, 2024
Students reject accusation
Meanwhile, students from the Faculty of Agronomy rejected the accusations and assured that they did not carry weapons. A group made the decision to hold a protest in front of the rectory on the afternoon of this Tuesday, February 20.
Meanwhile, the PDH issued a report and ruled out humiliation. “It was found that in the aforementioned faculty, welcoming activities were carried out for the students in which it was observed that no humiliations were carried out against them,” the document indicates.
student posture
On the other hand, a conglomerate of 13 student associations, including the Association of University Students (AEU), also issued their position questioning the measures taken by the Higher University Council (CSU) in response to this incident.
“We call not to allow violations of human rights that are established through limitations and censorship of political and social activities that promote speeches and actions against the usurpation of the rectory of the University of San Carlos of Guatemala. ..”, they publicly denounced.
In their statement, the AEU and the rest of the Associations condemn the use of violence against the student community and criticize the lack of action to identify those responsible.
He holds the CSU and Walter Mazariegos responsible for failing to adequately address these incidents and for prioritizing the implementation of private security instead of addressing other academic and budgetary needs.
“We oppose the implementation of private security that means extra expense for the University of San Carlosmainly by knowing the needs that exist in different academic units and regional centers…”, the statement reads.
The Associations demand the repeal of the measures adopted by the CSU, arguing that they limit freedom of expression and association, and propose redirecting resources towards academic improvements instead of repressive measures.
The organized student associations of the USAC to the student community and people in general report: pic.twitter.com/KnuS7c4kYA
— AEU (@AEU_OliverioCDL) February 20, 2024
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