SANTO DOMINGO. - A group of more than 20 hooded persons today hurled teargas in the northern gate of the State University UASD, and despite that its authorities hadn’t suspended classes the students left the campus.

UASD director Franklin Garcia, who was heading a welcoming ceremony for the new students, rebuked the actions he called vandalism.

The protesters, chanting slogans against the Government policies, the high cost of living and the blackouts, carried boxes which witnesses affirm were full of stones.

The protest began at the corner of Sanchez Ramirez street with Maximo Gomez avenue and after having reached the front of the Humanities Faculty 10:45 a.m., burned tires in the area.

Police agents surrounded the campus as traffic was snarled around the university.

Witnesses said the action was a “warm-up” for the 12 hour strike the Alternative Social Forum called for Friday, to protest the official economic policies and the deterioration of basic services.