STUDENT DEMONSTRATIONS

UNCLAS TEGUCIGALPA 002777 SIPDIS DS/ER/CC, DS/IP/WHA-MFLYNN, DS/ITA-KHALL, WHA/CEN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC KSAC HO PGOV SUBJECT: STUDENT DEMONSTRATIONS ¶1. Summary. Over the last several days student demonstrations have been taking place outside the public university in Tegucigalpa. The Government of Honduras (GOH) has threatened to close down the university for a year because of corruption in the awarding of degrees and student demonstrations. These demonstrations have not turned violent but tires have been burned in the street and traffic has been interrupted outside the main entrance to the university, which is located on the east side of town. End Summary. ¶2. Over the last few days students have been demonstrating over the GOH threats to close down the National University of Honduras (UNAH). On Friday, December 10, the road outside UNAH, a main highway, was stopped to vehicle traffic for over two hours with burning tires and angry students. The students planned to march to the National Congress but that did not materialize. RSO sources reported that these demonstrations, along with marches to the National Congress, would continue for the week of December 13-17. ¶3. December 13, at approximately 1100 hours, students staging a rally outside the National Congress were tear-gassed by anti-riot police. It appeared that the crowd, estimated at 3,000 participants, were pushing up against the anti-riot unit stationed outside the building. When the tear gas was disbursed the crowd departed the area and it appeared the demonstration was over for the day. As of 1410 hours, RSO source informed the security office that students, whose numbers are estimated at 700 plus, were returning to the National Congress area armed with sticks and rocks. It has been reported that additional police elements are preparing to reinforce the anti-riot police. ¶4. At this time, no violence or injuries have been reported. RSO has been advising embassy employees of the changing situation and assisting motor pool to avoid the effected area. The demonstrations have in no way been targeted at the USG. Pierce