In a dramatic showdown in Guatemala, police thwarted members of the Lev Tahor sect from reclaiming 160 children taken into protection following a raid on their premises. These minors, alleged victims of severe abusive practices and exploitation, are currently sheltered while investigations into the sect's operations continue.
Guatemala Authorities Foil Attempted Abduction of At-Risk Children from Controversial Sect
Guatemala Authorities Foil Attempted Abduction of At-Risk Children from Controversial Sect
A tense confrontation arises as members of the Lev Tahor sect attempt to reclaim 160 children recently rescued by Guatemalan officials amid serious abuse allegations.
In a shocking turn of events in Guatemala, authorities successfully prevented members of the Lev Tahor sect from reclaiming 160 children taken into protective custody amidst grave allegations of abuse. The rescue operation erupted following a police raid on Friday at a farm linked to the controversial Jewish sect, which has faced investigation for sexual offences in several countries.
Interior Minister Francisco Jimenez stated that the children were allegedly subject to abuse by sect members, prompting immediate protective measures. However, the situation escalated on Sunday when about 100 relatives from the sect attempted to retrieve the children from a care center. This led to clashes with law enforcement as sect members forced their way onto the premises.
The Lev Tahor sect, marked by extreme practices and stringent rules, has been criticized for facilitating child marriages and administering severe punishments for minor infractions. Members express that their actions are rooted in religious beliefs, claiming persecution by Guatemalan authorities.
Setting the stage for this crisis, police acted on suspicions involving forced pregnancies and allegations of rape, which necessitated the intervention. While family members rallied outside the detention center, police successfully interceded, ensuring all children were accounted for and safely relocated.
Previous efforts by authorities to assess the welfare of the children were obstructed by the sect, revealing the tension between the two entities. The Attorney General’s Office confirmed that the children's safety was assured thanks to police assistance, with the minors being moved swiftly to a secure location.
The sect is known to have settled in Guatemala between 2014 and 2017, with estimates suggesting a community comprising around 50 families dispersed across various countries including the US and Canada. The Jewish Community of Guatemala has further distanced itself from the sect, calling it foreign and endorsing the government's efforts to safeguard vulnerable minors amid ongoing investigations into the Lev Tahor's activities.
