US: Further protests held in San Juan (Puerto Rico) July 15 /update 1

Event

Hundreds of protesters marched through Viejo San Juan on Monday, July 15, amid multi-day demonstrations calling for the resignation of Governor Ricardo Rossello. Demonstrators reportedly blocked traffic in the city center and rallied outside the Paseo Caribe market on Monday morning (local time). Demonstrators have vowed to continue public demonstrations until Rossello steps down. 

Further protests are likely throughout Puerto Rico, and particularly outside the Governor's mansion in San Juan, over the coming several days and weeks. A heightened security presence and transportation disruptions are to be expected near all gatherings. 

Context

Protesters have marched in Puerto Rico over the previous week to demand that Governor Ricardo Rossello resign following reports published by a non-profit organization exposing conversations between the Governor and his cabinet. The conversations involved the use of sexist, homophobic, and misogynistic language. Despite admitting having written the messages, Rossello has resisted calls to resign.

The US Federal Bureau of Investigation has implicated other members of Rossello's cabinet in fraud, conspiracy, and other corruption-related investigations over the last several months, forcing several members to resign.

Advice

Individuals in Puerto Rico, and particularly San Juan, are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all public demonstrations as a precaution, anticipate localized disruptions and a heightened security presence near any demonstrations, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.