Guatemalan police have successfully resisted an attempted recapture of 160 children rescued from the controversial Lev Tahor sect, known for its extremist practices and alleged abuse.

The children were placed in protective care after a police raid on Friday at the sect’s farm in Oratorio, southeast of Guatemala City. Authorities conducted the operation following allegations of abuse, including forced pregnancies, child mistreatment, and rape. Interior Minister Francisco Jimenez confirmed that the children were reportedly being harmed by a member of the sect.

On Sunday, tensions escalated when approximately 100 sect members, including relatives of the children, gathered outside the care center demanding their return. Some forced their way into the facility, leading to clashes with law enforcement. Authorities swiftly intervened, relocating the children to safety in a secure vehicle.

Lev Tahor, notorious for imposing harsh conditions on its followers, advocates child marriage, enforces strict dress codes for women and girls as young as three, and punishes minor transgressions severely. The sect has faced investigations for serious sexual offenses across multiple countries.

The Jewish Community of Guatemala has distanced itself from Lev Tahor, emphasizing its lack of affiliation with the group. In a statement, the community expressed support for the authorities’ efforts to protect vulnerable children and others at risk.

Prosecutors revealed that prior attempts to check on the children’s wellbeing were obstructed by sect members, heightening concerns for their safety. Officials estimate the sect comprises about 50 families living in Guatemala, the US, Canada, and elsewhere.

This incident follows a 2022 operation in Mexico’s Chiapas state, where Lev Tahor members were arrested but later released due to insufficient evidence.

Magdeburg’s Christmas market, usually brimming with festive cheer, has become a somber and deserted scene in the aftermath of a tragic attack. Once lively stalls offering mulled wine and gingerbread now stand closed, surrounded by police tape. Red candles and heartfelt tributes line the pavement, honoring the victims of the senseless violence.

Residents are grappling with a mix of sorrow and anger. This is a tragedy for everyone. The perpetrator should be punished. We can only hope the victims and their families find strength to cope.”

For many, the grief is compounded by frustration over perceived lapses in security.

Authorities have pushed back against criticisms, asserting that the attacker exploited an emergency access route to enter the market. However, the incident has raised questions about whether more robust precautions could have prevented the tragedy.

Mathias Pogba, the older brother of French footballer Paul Pogba, has been sentenced to three years in prison, with two years suspended, after being convicted of attempting to extort the former Manchester United midfielder.

The Paris court ruled on Thursday that Mathias Pogba, 33, will avoid time behind bars and instead serve a year under electronic monitoring. He was also fined €20,000 (£16,500).

The case stemmed from a shocking 2022 incident in which Paul Pogba alleged he had been held at gunpoint by childhood friends, who demanded €13 million (£10.8 million). Pogba stated that he paid €100,000 (£82,600) under duress.

Five other individuals involved in the extortion plot received prison sentences ranging from four to eight years. Among them, Roushdane K was handed the longest sentence of eight years, while the others—Boubacar C, Adama C, Mamadou M, and Machikour K—received varying combinations of prison terms and suspended sentences.

Mathias Pogba’s lawyer, Mbeko Tabula, criticized the verdict as “extremely harsh” and announced plans to appeal.

The sentencing marks the conclusion of a high-profile case that exposed deep personal and legal turmoil for Paul Pogba, who is currently playing for Juventus. The football star has described the ordeal as a betrayal by trusted friends and family.