Haiti: Student march in Port-au-Prince on June 28

Event

Students from the Université d'Etat d'Haïti are expected to march on Wednesday, June 28, in the capital Port-au-Prince in support of a student injured during a previous protest. The students are demanding the dean of the School of Ethnology, who is accused of ramming his car into the protesting student on June 12, be brought to justice. As with all protests in Haiti, clashes and other violence is possible. A similar march was held on June 20, in response to the same incident.

Conversely, the dean has filed a collective complaint against a number of students who allegedly took part in the violence that broke out during the June 12 protest.

Context

The abovementioned student was protesting at the front gates of the university against his expulsion from the school when he was hit on June 12. The incident led to an outbreak of violence, resulting in multiple cars torched. A university commission of inquiry was established on June 15.

Advice

Individuals are advised to monitor the situation, to strictly avoid all protests and rallies due to the high likelihood of violence, and to adhere to advice and instructions issued by the local authorities and/or their home governments. Avoid discussing sensitive political topics and keep abreast of the sociopolitical climate via media reporting.