Community
A court in Quetzaltenango granted amparo in favor of a temple where the Holy Death in Cantel is venerated, ordering to respect the freedom of worship.
The “Wheme Chark” temple, located in Cantel, Quetzaltenango, received a judicial protection that protects its right to freedom of worship, despite the rejection of the community. (PHOTO FREE PRESS: HEMERECA)
The First Court of First Instance of the Civil Branch of Quetzaltenango granted a amparo in favor of the owners of the temple “charm of the keme”where the Holy Death is venerated, located in the municipality of Cantel, Quetzaltenango.
The resolution, issued May 8instruct al Municipal Development Council (Comude) From Cantel a Do not perform or allow actions that prevent access to property Where the temple works.
Also prohibits any act that violates the freedom of religion, locomotion or fundamental rights of amparistas.
“Any instigating act, public or privately, which seeks to cause rejection or prevent access to the temple must cease,” Indicates the failure.
The temple is located next to the rehabilitation farm, in the community of Llanos de Urbina, Cantel.
The resolution also orders civil authorities provide immediate help in case of threats to the physical integrity of the owners or damage to your private property.
Rejection of neighbors and sanction
Since November 2023, Cantel inhabitants demonstrated against the operation of the templeclaiming that its existence would attract gangs and organized crime.
Although the owners They denied any criminal linkthe rejection intensified.
The property was painted with disapproval messagesand the point was reached where the Municipal Council of Cantel imposed a fine of Q500 thousand for not having a construction license. This sanction was appealed by the ownersand is still pending definitive resolution.
Until now, Neither municipal nor community authorities have spoken about the recent judicial resolution.