Guatemalan authorities conducted a significant raid on the Lev Tahor Jewish extremist sect's compound, resulting in the protective custody of at least 160 minors and 40 women. This operation, which involved the National Civil Police and the army, was initiated following reports of abuse and aimed at prioritizing the safety of children and girls, according to Interior Minister Francisco Jimenez.
During the raid, authorities discovered bones believed to be those of a child, raising serious concerns about potential crimes within the community. The Guatemalan Attorney General's Office indicated that a complaint had been filed in November regarding allegations of forced pregnancy, abuse of minors, and rape.
The Lev Tahor sect has a history of legal issues across various countries, including a notable incident in 2022 when Mexican authorities arrested a leader of the cult and removed several women and children from its compound. Additionally, in 2021, two leaders of the sect were convicted in New York for kidnapping and sexually abusing children.
The sect operates in multiple countries, including Canada, the United States, Mexico, Guatemala, and Israel, and is currently under investigation by Guatemalan authorities amid increasing international scrutiny of its practices.
