Guatemala: Child-Stealing Rumors Create Tensions in Western Highlands

By Larry Habegger | Permalink | No Comments | July 30th, 2008 | Trackback

Rumors of foreigners stealing children are circulating in the area around Tajumulco Volcano, a region in the Western Highlands popular with U.S. tourists. Such rumors are not to be taken lightly because in the past they have resulted in the lynchings of several Guatemalan citizens and many years ago an American woman was beaten almost to death when locals suspected her of attempting to steal a child. No foreigners have been the victims of attacks recently, but the Guatemalan Tourist Assistance Office advises, and the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City “strongly endorses,” that U.S. visitors avoid the area. In addition, a recent press report of a Guatemalan mother tracking down her stolen child in the state adoption system was the first to prove that babies have been stolen and put up for adoption. DNA tests proved the child was hers and she was reunited with her daughter. Guatemala suspended adoptions in May because of such suspicions.

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