Warden Information

Mob Violence in the Petén as a Result of Rumors of Child Stealing

American Embassy Guatemala
American Citizen Warden Program

July 18, 2007

Dear American Citizen Warden:

The following is a Warden Message concerning mob violence in the Petén as a result of rumors of child stealing, in an area frequented by American tourists driving between Tikal and Cobán. This is in addition to the Warden Message issued on July 3rd. Please share the following information with the American citizens on your warden list, and any other Americans you know, as soon as possible. It should be disseminated as widely as possible within the American citizen community. Please contact the American Citizen Services section via e-mail (amcitsguatemala@state.gov), fax (502) 2326-4655, telephone (502) 2326-4405, or in person at Avenida Reforma 7-01, Zone 10, Guatemala City, if you have any questions. Our after-hours emergency number is (502) 2331-2354.

Thank you very much for your support and assistance.

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WARDEN MESSAGE

Mob Violence in the Petén as a Result of Rumors of Child Stealing

As of Tuesday, July 17, the highway between Flores, Petén Department and Coban, Alta Verapaz Department is unsafe to use and has been closed on repeated occasions. The ferry crossing near Sayaxché has apparently been shut down by the same mob that has lynched at least two individuals in the town of Sayaxche. Further, numerous vehicles including at least one with American citizen tourists were held overnight by mobs at roadblocks about 20 miles south of Sayaxche on the highway coming from Coban. Rumors of child stealing and of murder for organ harvesting have recently surfaced in many areas of Guatemala, some of which are frequented by American tourists.  In numerous locations mob violence has resulted. On July 16 and 17, 2007 in Sayaxche, Petén  child stealing rumors escalated into  mob action against a Guatemalan couple believed to be involved in child stealing.  The husband was beaten and burned to death, and the wife threatened and reportedly held by the mob for further punishment. A local American resident attempted to calm the mob and prevent burning of the police station, but was himself held by the mob and threatened with death.  Army and police forces reentered Sayaxche on July 17, but the situation is not yet under control.

On July 1, 2007, two foreigners (including an American citizen) and a Guatemalan kayaking on a river near Chicaman, Quiche were seized by a mob estimated at 500 people as suspected child stealers. Although terrified, the individuals were not physically attacked, and were eventually turned over to local police and released. The incident occurred after the group talked and joked with a local boy on the riverbank.

Rumors of child stealing have resulted in the lynching deaths of at least 8 Guatemalan citizens this year.  These incidents in Quiche and the Petén are the first this year of foreigners being targeted by such mobs.  Americans are reminded to avoid all gatherings of agitated people.  Even when acquainted with members of a mob it is extremely dangerous to attempt to reason with them.  Bear in mind that mobs, by their nature, are emotional and irrational.

Avoid close contact with children, including taking photographs, especially in villages and rural areas.  Such contact can be viewed with deep alarm and may provoke panic and violence.

Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found. The U.S. The U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City can be reached at (502) 2326-4405 and is located at Avenida Reforma 7-01, Zone 10. The after-hours telephone for American citizen emergencies is (502) 2331-2354.