Universidad Nacional del Comahue files federal complaint over campus vandalism

The rector of Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Christian Lopes, together with vicerrector Lorena Higuera and other university officials, lodged a formal complaint before the Federal Court in Neuquén. The filing seeks investigative action and protective measures after four vandalism incidents recorded between 26 June and 24 July, which the university says form a coordinated campaign.

The episodes include a verbal attack on a former academic secretary and the removal of a teachers‑union flag, the defacement of a mural dedicated to Ernesto Che Guevara, online harassment directed at a faculty member linked to the mural, and a nighttime intrusion during which masked individuals painted over images of disappeared students, a commemorative plaque to Noemí Labrune, and the Mapuche flag. In a university statement the officials said, "Ninguna discrepancia política, ideológica o cultural puede justificar la utilización de la intimidación, el hostigamiento, los daños al patrimonio público o las agresiones dirigidas contra quienes integran la comunidad universitaria."