Yesterday Friday, violent incidents took place between students dissatisfied and supporters pro-Martelly, when the presidential motorcade, according to the witnesses, was trying to enter the Faculty of Ethnology of the State University of Haiti, where was held an international symposium under the theme "the Ethnology and the construction of the political nation, of people, of citizen in Haiti."

Stone-throwing between students and pro-Martelly supporters left several people injured. During this unfortunate incident, individuals have looted (computer hardware and office) the office of Ethnology and shattered windshields of several vehicles parked in the yard the faculty. The security guards of the presidential motorcade are immediately intervened to protect the President and his cortege, firing bursts of automatic weapons into the air and using tear gas to disperse demonstrators.

Students and supporters blame each other of having opened hostilities.

In a statement, the Office of the President gives its version "troublemakers refugees within the walls of the Faculty of Ethnology, attacked the motorcade of the President of the Republic who roamed the area of ​​the Champs de Mars on foot accompanied by carnival bands.

The presidential security cordon was quickly taken all necessary measures to ensure, in accordance with regulatory provisions, the security of the cortege of President who was able to return, safe and sound, in the enclosure of National Palace.

Presidency warns manipulators that carry messages of incitement to violence, this in violation of applicable laws. The Presidency calls for calm to the population and encourages all citizens to unite to work, in accordance with the law and democratic principles, to the progress and stability of our common homeland."

See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/article-4965-haiti-education-colloque-international-l-ethnologie-et-la-construction-de-la-nation-politique.html (in french)

S/ HaitiLibre - Photo : ©Ramon Espinosa, AP