Community
The MP investigates the subtraction of religious images and cash after the forced income linked to the cult of Holy Death in Cantel.
The place linked to a “sanctuary of the Holy Death” has been subject to community rejection and legal processes for its irregular functioning. (Free Press Photo: Lucero Sapalú)
He Public Ministry (MP) investigates the theft of several religious images and property damage where an enclosure operates as “Sanctuary of Holy Death”located in Llanos de Urbina, Cantel, Quetzaltenango.
According to the complaint filed by the Keme charm association, Unknown people would have broken part of the perimeter wall to enter the property, from where they stole various religious figures, including an image of San Simón, one of the Virgin of Guadalupe and a representative figure of the cult of Holy Death.
The theft of approximately Q500 in cash is also reported, part of the offerings placed in the place.
The Departmental Prosecutor’s Office of Quetzaltenango reported that a preliminary investigation is carried out, and it is not ruled out that the facts can be configured as sacrilegious crimes, due to the religious character of the stolen objects.
Context of Community Conflict
Since October 2024, residents of the sector have expressed their rejection of the operation of the enclosure, mainly for cultural reasons and religious beliefs.
In response, the Municipality of Cantel sanctioned the owners with a fine of Q500 thousand to build without due license, although the resolution is pending appeal before the municipal council.
Despite the differences, a court decided that the freedom of cult of the owners must be respected and it was ordered to allow the entry of people to the place. For their part, community leaders, such as Abelino Puac, reiterated that community actions have been peaceful, and claimed to have no knowledge about those responsible for the recent robbery.