World

Mexico rescues 450 children from refuge amid abuse fears

Raid takes place on home for abandoned youngsters after at least 50 complaints

Mexican attorney general, Jesus Murillo (l) and governor of the state of Michoacan Salvador Jara during a press conference in Mexico City, Mexico yesterday. The Mexican Army and the Federal Police on 15 July rescued more than 500 children who were in an orphanage in the state of Michoacan. Photograph: STR/EPA
Mexican attorney general, Jesus Murillo (l) and governor of the state of Michoacan Salvador Jara during a press conference in Mexico City, Mexico yesterday. The Mexican Army and the Federal Police on 15 July rescued more than 500 children who were in an orphanage in the state of Michoacan. Photograph: STR/EPA
Wed Jul 16 2014 - 06:39

Mexico’s government said it has rescued over 450 children from a vermin-infested refuge for abandoned boys and girls, some of whom it believes were sexually abused.

The attorney general's office said a raid on the home known as 'La Gran Familia' (The Big Family) took place in the western city of Zamora after at least 50 complaints were filed about its operators.

The home, which was founded in 1947, was run by Rosa Verduzco who is now being questioned by authorities, government officials said in a news conference.

According to a Facebook page of La Gran Familia, the refuge looks after children abandoned by troubled parents, and also provides schooling.

READ MORE

Reuters