On August 28, 2025, the National Police of Paraguay forcibly dispersed students protesting a lack of university transportation, injuring several demonstrators.

University students living in Villa Ygatimí, Canindeyú, travel an hour to attend the National University of Canindeyú (UNICAN) in Curuguaty. Relying on an aging bus with mechanical issues, students requested funding from the Municipal Council for a replacement. Although the Council had initially approved the request, the executive Board canceled the bidding process. In response, students blocked the main access road to Villa Ygatimí to demand reliable transportation. The National Police and riot forces broke up the protest using rubber bullets, injuring several students who required medical treatment.

Scholars at Risk is concerned about the use of force against student nonviolently exercising their right to freedom of expression – conduct that is protected by international human rights instruments including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. While state authorities have the responsibility to maintain order and prevent disruption, they must refrain from the disproportionate use of force and endangerment of civilians and must respect the right to freedom of association and freedom of expression. Such actions, beyond harming the immediate victims, have a chilling effect on academic freedom.

Sources:
https://www.abc.com.py/nacionales/2025/08/28/universitarios-salen-a-protestar-en-canindeyu-y-son-reprimidos-por-la-policia/
https://www.facebook.com/61558286605176/videos/-urgente-represión-policial-a-estudiantes-en-villa-ygatimí-en-la-mañana-de-este-/2040614570095897/
https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/09/02/jlov-s02.html
https://www.lanacion.com.py/pais/2025/08/28/reportan-enfrentamiento-durante-protesta-de-universitarios-en-villa-ygatimi/