Guatemalan authorities rescue 200 from abusive ultra-orthodox Jewish sect

In Guatemala, authorities took decisive action against the Lev Tahor sect, an ultra-orthodox Jewish group with a controversial reputation. Recently, Guatemalan police and military personnel carried out a raid on the sect's compound located in Oratorio, approximately 78 km southeast of Guatemala City. This operation was initiated following allegations of abuse, including rape and human trafficking, which surfaced after several children escaped the sect in November and alerted the authorities. The operation led to the protective custody of at least 200 individuals, including approximately 160 minors and 40 women. Guatemalan Interior Minister Francisco Jiménez emphasized the government's commitment to protecting children, stating that their safety is of paramount importance. During the search, authorities reportedly uncovered suspected human remains, suspected to belong to minors, raising serious concerns about potential fatalities associated with the sect's activities. Lev Tahor, founded in Israel in 1988, practices a strict interpretation of Jewish law and has faced numerous allegations of serious crimes, including forced marriages and systematic abuse. The sect previously relocated to Mexico and Guatemala between 2014 and 2017 to evade legal obstacles. Following the November escape that triggered the recent raid, prosecutors revealed that they were investigating human trafficking and mistreatment of minors within the community, suggesting that some members may have perpetrated these crimes under the protection of religious doctrine. This incident has garnered international attention and condemnation, prompting calls for collaboration among various governments to ensure the protection of vulnerable individuals linked to the sect. The Jewish Community of Guatemala, distancing itself from Lev Tahor, voiced its support for the actions taken by authorities and called for global efforts to safeguard the rights of those associated with the group. The investigations into the sect's activities will continue as authorities strive to uncover the full extent of the abuses and provide support to affected individuals.