Protests erupted in northern Colombia on Thursday after reports on an alleged “rape tour” for foreign sex predators.
A former sex worker told radio network RCN about the existence of sex parties on the outskirts of tourist hotspot Cartagena that included the mass rape of girls between 12 and 15 years old.
“Alma”
Public indignation and police inaction
The so-called “rape tour” is the latest alleged abuse of girls by foreign predators who come to Colombia, and particularly cities like Cartagena and Medellin, for child sex tourism purposes.
Following the protest, in which locals demanded a “safe city for children,” the inspector general urged police to “publicly inform the public” and “move forward with the investigation.”
The local authorities have consistently downplayed the gravity of what appears to be a growing influx of foreign pedophiles taking advantage of widespread poverty among children.
Local politician Andres Betancourt had asked Prosecutor General Fernando Carrillo to intervene.
“The tour takes place on a farm on the outskirts of the city where girls between the ages of 12 and 15 are hunted by men (Colombians and foreigners), who — once “captured” — rape them in groups,” Betancourt said.
According to the woman on RCN, “many of these girls don’t even appear afterwards.”
Tourism sector fed up
Thursday’s march was attended by concerned citizens and representatives of the local tourism sector who called on authorities to act against sex tourism and promote security for children.
Armed with banners saying “we are a protective tourist city,” the entrepreneurs said they would not allow “one more exploited child.”
Local religious organizations have been urging the city to act against increasing sex tourism and pedophilia, but without result.