Clashes erupt in Guatemala as police thwart attempts by the Lev Tahor sect to recover 160 children recently rescued from a care center amid ongoing allegations of abuse and misconduct.
Tensions Escalate in Guatemala as Sect Attempts to Regain Custody of Children
Tensions Escalate in Guatemala as Sect Attempts to Regain Custody of Children
Police struggle against extremist sect's effort to reclaim 160 children saved from potential abuse.
Authorities in Guatemala are bracing for further tensions as the extremist Lev Tahor sect makes renewed attempts to reclaim custody of 160 at-risk children recently taken into care. The police raid occurred on a farm linked to the sect, which has drawn scrutiny for severe allegations, including sexual abuse and forced marriages.
Interior Minister Francisco Jimenez reported that these children, removed from the sect's premises, were potentially victims of abuse by a sect member. However, after the raid on Friday, members of the sect attempted to storm a care center holding the children, leading to skirmishes with law enforcement forces.
Known for its radical beliefs and practices, Lev Tahor enforces strict codes on its followers, imposing severe punishments for minor offenses and advocating child marriage. The sect, which operates in several countries and has a known history of evading justice, claims that its members are victims of religious persecution in Guatemala.
The confrontation escalated on Sunday when relatives of the children, all members of the Lev Tahor sect, gathered to demand their return. In an attempted breach of the facility's gates, sect members clashed with police but were ultimately thwarted as authorities ensured the children were safeguarded.
The Attorney General's Office added that previous welfare checks on the children, living in a makeshift community of around 50 families across Guatemala and beyond, had been blocked by sect members.
A spokesperson for the Jewish Community of Guatemala unequivocally distanced the organization from Lev Tahor, condemning its practices. They also reaffirmed support for government efforts to protect vulnerable populations and conduct investigations into the sect's alleged misconduct.
As the tension between state authorities and sect members continues to brew, the future of the children remains uncertain amid accusations and conflicting narratives about their well-being and rights.
