Official court rulings or government announcements

Guatemalan Authorities Rescue 160 Children and 40 Women from Lev Tahor Sect in El Amatillo Amid Abuse Allegations

Dec 21, 2024, 01:20 PM

Guatemalan authorities conducted a major operation that resulted in the rescue of 160 children and teenagers from the ultra-Orthodox Jewish sect Lev Tahor. The operation, which involved the National Civil Police and the Public Ministry, took place in the village of El Amatillo, located in the municipality of Oratorio. Reports indicate that the minors were victims of severe abuse, including allegations of sexual abuse, forced marriages, and human trafficking. The authorities acted on a complaint filed by four minors who escaped the community. During the raid, evidence was also uncovered, including human remains, which further complicates the allegations against the sect. The operation has drawn attention to the ongoing issues of abuse within the community, which has been the subject of scrutiny for its practices. The rescue operation was supported by the Department of Homeland Security.