Weapons cache found at Santo Domingo University

posted on: Mar 14 2010 14:10 by Royston. Viewed 440 times.


The Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD) last night confirmed the discovery of several firearms, bombs, ammunition, gunpowder, a grenade and communication devices in a  basement  used by the Student Liberation Group Amin Abel (Felabel), and immediately suspended all the group's activities pending an investigation into the degree of responsibility of its members.

It is understood that amongst those arrested after the discovery are; Geudi Miguel Medina Pe�a, from Mirador Oeste; Deivis Vicente Cabrera Heredia, from Villa Consuelo, and Luis Genis Castillo Guerrero, from Sabana Perdida.

So far riots at the UASD have resulted in 8 injured, including one police officer.

Police sources said they have been monitoring the activities of this group for a year and they had been transporting the weapons in a vehicle used by a high ranking official of  the University. Sources did not name the individual but said "There is a high authority in the UASD suspected of protecting the violent activities of this group."

As well as the suspension of Felabel activities, the University Council agreed to establish a committee comprising of members of the Council to investigate all the facts that led to the seizure of military equipment.

The rector promised a press conference on Monday with himself and the Prosecutor and Police Chief.

Student leaders deny the existence of an arsenal of weapons and said the alleged discovery was  tactic of the authorities, to undermine the students struggle to improve conditions.

Ambiorix Rosario, president of the Independent Student Liberation Movement  (MIEL 19), said the reality of the struggle was to demand new equipment in medical and engineering facilities, to reduce student fees, and  to keep bathrooms open until 10:00 pm.

Commenting on the discovery of weapons, Cardinal Nicol�s de Jes�s L�pez Rodr�guez, who led a procession yesterday from the campus of the UASD to the cathedral, condemned the incident and said the university is not a battlefield, and deplored the violent events that have prevented for two days, normal class teaching. However he did press the University authorities to pay heed to the student demands for better learning conditions.

On 31 March last year and 16 April 2008, three members of Felabel were arrested by police  accused of unlawfully carrying  weapons and military equipment used to cause disturbances in UASD.

Those arrested at that time, were Miguel Angel Reyes Ortiz, Guarionex V�squez Marte and Bienvenido Soriano Tejeda, who admitted having participated in the protest movements. They were found to have ski masks, military equipment, and other weapons in their possession.

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