STUDENT DEMONSTRATIONS CONTINUE IN PORT-AU-PRINCE

C O N F I D E N T I A L PORT AU PRINCE 000538 STATE FOR WHA/EX. WHA/CAR STATE PASS SOUTHCOM FOR POLAD E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/05/2019 TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM HA SUBJECT: STUDENT DEMONSTRATIONS CONTINUE IN PORT-AU-PRINCE REF: PORT AU PRINCE 00530 Classified By: Ambassador Janet A. Sanderson for Reasons 1.4 (a,d) ¶1. (U) This message covers incidents reported on June 4 to 1300 local time on June 5. ¶2. (C) An unconfirmed number of students from several State University faculties violently protested in downtown Port-au-Prince reportedly to pressure President Preval to sign the minimum wage law. Students assaulted Haitian National Police and MINUSTAH soldiers with rocks, glass and other debris, and erected barricades. Security authorities deployed tear gas in an effort to de-escalate the situation and deter demonstrators from causing additional damage/injury. Post received some reports indicating that not all protestors are students. One student was injured and hospitalized. Haiti's local commissariat currently has 24 people in custody associated with demonstrations on June 4. Post suspects that outside elements are influencing the violent demonstrations. Student Protests Continue into Second Day -------------- ¶3. (SBU) Students from the State University of Haiti's (UEH) Faculties of Ethnology, Human Sciences (FASCH), Administration, Management and International Studies (INAGHEI),Teacher's College, and Medicine and Pharmacy School continued to demonstrate June 4, demanding that the government sign the Parliament-approved minimum salary increase law. Groups of protestors erected barricades near the Faculty of Human Science and threw rocks and other debris at a police station located near the National Palace. Students reportedly attacked and disabled two government vehicles near the Palace. Some vehicles were set on fire near the Ministry of Justice. ¶4. (SBU) Haiti's National Police (HNP) deployed riot police (CIMO) and UN Police (UNPOL) used tear gas to deter protestors. Police reported several protestors were assisted by the Haitian Red Cross and treated for tear gas inhalation. One student from the Faculty of Human Sciences was injured and later hospitalized. HNP representatives reported to RSO that twenty-four protestors were arrested. Demonstrations Underway June 5 -------------- ¶5. (SBU) Demonstrations continued late morning June 5. A group of 100-150 protestors gathered in front of the police station and prosecutor's office located in downtown Port-au-Prince and demanded the release of students arrested the previous day. Teacher union representatives and unidentified Parliament members visited the police station and demanded the release of students. The Police Commissioner reportedly denied their requests. RSO sources report that police vehicles were attacked. Haiti's leading human rights organization (RNDDH) reported to the media that students announced a major demonstration to demand the release of the 24 protestors. As of 1300 local time, protestors reportedly threw rocks and broke car windshields in the Champs de Mars area near the National Palace. ¶6. (C) Comment: Post suspects that the demand for the promulgation of the minimum salary law is not the only pretext for the recent demonstrations. Fanmi Lavalas Deputy Sorel Francois told Poloff June 5 that the student protestors were apparently being ''pushed'' by an outside force. He said the protestors' ever-changing demands concealed a more radical agenda, and he had heard that the students planned to go ''very far'' to push their demands. Some student organization leaders told Economic Specialist on June 5 that they did not support the violence on June 4 and indicated that the demonstrations were possibly infiltrated by other dissidents. Students admit that they are interested in the minimum salary increase law because their parents are factory workers and are generally concerned with all social issues. Some student organizations will begin meeting June 6 to develop their action plan. They plan to continue mobilizing supporters for the cause, but they would like to rally peacefully. Student reactions could depend on the results of President Preval's current meeting with several members of Parliament and private sector to discuss the minimum salary law. Post will report on updates septel. SANDERSON