Guatemala President Arévalo defends student rights as USAC rector faces enrollment bans

President Bernardo Arévalo condemned recent cancellations of university registrations at the Universidad de San Carlos (USAC) and warned that student rights “cannot be suspended.” He said the government has filed an amparo with the Constitutional Court to ensure a lawful rector election and to protect academic autonomy.

Vice‑president Karin Herrera filed a formal complaint with the Public Ministry, requesting an investigation into social‑media posts that falsely linked her to USAC rector Walter Mazariegos. Herrera asserts the allegations are fabricated and aim to politicise the university dispute.

The opposition group USAC‑DIRE reported that around 40 students were arbitrarily removed from the enrollment system after opposing Mazariegos’ continued leadership. One affected student, Jennifer de la Cruz, said, “I am suffering political persecution by the USAC authorities,” after being denied registration for her tenth semester. Lawyers for the group are preparing legal assistance to challenge the sanctions while the constitutional court’s decision on the amparo is awaited.