On January 28, 2019, police and students reportedly clashed during a protest at the National Autonomous University of Honduras (UNAH).

The students’ protest reportedly called for the resignation of Honduran president Juan Orlando Hernández. According to press reports, students burned ties at the entrance of the UNAH campus and threw stones at security forces on the scene. Police threw stones and tear gas in return, forcing the students to retreat to campus.

No arrests or injuries were reported following the protest.

Scholars at Risk is concerned about violence during a student protest. While students have a right to freedom of expression and freedom of assembly, that right does not extend to violent activity. When state authorities have a right to maintain order or security, they have a responsibility to do so in a way that minimizes the risk of injury or harm to individuals and respects institutional autonomy and human rights. Such incidents threaten the safety of the campus community and undermine institutional autonomy and democratic society generally.

Sources:
https://www.eleconomistaamerica.com/educacion-eAm/noticias/9664133/01/19/Un-grupo-de-presuntos-estudiantes-protestan-frente-a-la-Universidad-estatal-hondurena.html
https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/01/29/honduras-police-clash-with-students-demanding-presidents-ouster