In compliance with a Constitutional Court order, the National Civil Police (PNC) removed the tents erected 51 days prior as a pressure tactic to force current authorities to meet demands. The removal took place yesterday evening.

The criticized union leader, Joviel Acevedo, insisted that the actions carried out by the teachers (including roadblocks last Thursday, Friday, and Monday amid the earthquake emergency) were for the benefit of the children.

“Tomorrow we’ll be mocked by the media, but we’re here and we’ll continue fighting as long as God gives us the strength,” the organizer of the mobilization, which involved approximately 15% of the country’s public schools, emphasized.

The PNC explained that the operation was carried out in strict compliance with human rights to prevent further damage to the National Palace of Culture, an Intangible Heritage site, as also informed also to the participants.

Days ago, the Ministry of Culture and Sports released a complaint against STEG stemming from a series of evaluations that found elements affected as a direct consequence of the unauthorized installation of temporary structures.

Various Guatemalan social organizations previously argued that the strike denied the right to education and demanded that minors not be used for further union interests.

The protest arose from the approval of a 5% salary increase for teachers; however, the STEG demanded a 15% increase, along with better working conditions, more staff hires, and food.

jrr/arm/oda/znc