With banners that read “enough of leading dinosaurs” and the refrain “dinosaurs out, damn it!”, the students entered the CUB offices in the exclusive neighborhood of San Jorge in the city of La Paz, and pointed to Max Mendoza , criminally denounced for various alleged crimes.
Mendoza, who is 52 years old, has been taking various degrees for 33 years, has failed 200 subjects and obtained zero in more than 100, is accused of using the position for his own benefit.
He is also accused of permanently occupying different positions as a student leader and of having a salary of 21,860 bolivianos from public funds, about 3,150 dollars. He has been the top leader of the university students in the CUB for four years.
“We are tired of this Mr. Max Mendoza who has been extended for 4 years, manages our resources that he uses in shock groups, we are tired of him speaking on behalf of the students, without being a legitimate leader,” student Fernando Quisberth, from the sociology career, one of those who led the peaceful occupation.
Mendoza was not in his CUB offices during the occupation that lasted a few hours.
The day before, the deputy of the governing Movement Towards Socialism (MAS), Héctor Arce, filed a criminal lawsuit against Mendoza and then half a dozen similar legal actions by teachers and students were added.
The prosecutor of La Paz, William Alave, said at a press conference that “the six complaints” will form a single process and that the accusations are “for embezzlement, improper use of influence, benefits due to the position, usurpation of functions, harmful contracts to the State”.
Mendoza responded in a video broadcast on social networks that “the complaints are slander” and that “we are going to take action against those who are defaming us.”
Mendoza’s case is not unique. Álvaro Quelali, leader of the university students of La Paz, has been a student for 20 years. His brother Sergio has also been listed as a student for 18 years.
In Bolivia, a university degree at the bachelor’s level lasts about five years.
The entrance Protesters call for resignation of Bolivian university leader “dinosaur” was first published in diary TODAY.
