Honduras: Students clash with private security officers in Tegucigalpa July 17

Event

Violent clashes broke out between private security guards and protesting students at the National Autonomous University of Honduras (UNAH) in Tegucigalpa on Monday, July 17. Around 12 people were wounded in the fighting, which broke out at approximately 07:20 (local time). Members of the University Student Movement (MEU) set up blockades at  the entrance to some university buildings, and reportedly used sticks and stones to prevent the private security officers from removing them. UNAH officials announced that the private security company had been hired to remove criminals who had occupied some of the university buildings on a previous occasion, in order to protect citizens’ right to higher education. Demonstrations are likely to continue in the coming days and additional violence cannot be ruled out.

Context

Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández has called for UNAH and MEU leaders to renew dialogue after the recent violence. According to the UNAH, the ongoing sit-ins and protests by the MEU has delayed the second academic period and is threatening to disrupt the third. Students have been unable to attend classes in the buildings that have been occupied by the protesters. MEU leaders are demanding that the current rector of the school, Julieta Castellanos, resign and that criminal charges against around 20 student protesters be suspended. The group is also demonstrating against the conviction of three former students who were found guilty of disrupting school services in 2016 during protests against proposed academic reforms.

Advice

Individuals in Tegucigalpa are advised to monitor the situation and to avoid all protests as a precaution. Note that political activism by foreign nationals is prohibited under Honduran law; foreigners who take part in demonstrations or other political activities risk detention and or/deportation.