Guatemala Rescues 160 Children from Lev Tahor Sect After Abuse Allegations
Authorities report forced pregnancies, child abuse, and human trafficking within the extremist Jewish sect, with some children briefly abducted during a failed recapture attempt.
- Guatemalan police raided the Lev Tahor compound on Friday, rescuing 160 minors following allegations of sexual abuse, forced pregnancies, and human trafficking.
- The operation involved nearly 480 personnel and was prompted by complaints from minors who had escaped the community and alerted authorities.
- Members of the Lev Tahor sect attempted to forcibly remove the children from a government shelter on Sunday, leading to clashes with police; some children initially fled but were later recovered.
- Authorities discovered the skeletal remains of a minor during the raid, further intensifying suspicions of severe mistreatment within the sect.
- Lev Tahor, known for its extremist practices and history of child exploitation, has accused authorities of religious persecution, though the Jewish Community of Guatemala has disavowed the group.
BBC 
Associated Press 
Le Figaro 
Jewish Telegraphic Agency 