abusesaffiliationarrow-downarrow-leftarrow-rightarrow-upattack-typeburgerchevron-downchevron-leftchevron-rightchevron-upClock iconclosedeletedevelopment-povertydiscriminationdollardownloademailenvironmentexternal-linkfacebookfiltergenderglobegroupshealthC4067174-3DD9-4B9E-AD64-284FDAAE6338@1xinformation-outlineinformationinstagraminvestment-trade-globalisationissueslabourlanguagesShapeCombined Shapeline, chart, up, arrow, graphLinkedInlocationmap-pinminusnewsorganisationotheroverviewpluspreviewArtboard 185profilerefreshIconnewssearchsecurityPathStock downStock steadyStock uptagticktooltiptwitteruniversalityweb
Article

4 Dec 2009

Author:
Arthur Brice, CNN

107 slave laborers freed in Mexico City

Mexican authorities have freed 107 indigenous people who officials say were being held as slave laborers in a Mexico City factory disguised as a drug rehabilitation center. Twenty-three suspects were arrested...The victims ranged from 14 to 70 years old, and some were tortured...Some victims also suffered sexual abuse..."They were beaten," [Mexico City's attorney general] said. "Several have wounds, serious wounds.."...They made handbags and clothespins and were not paid...Video of the inside of the building showed filthy and crowded living conditions...The men and women worked 8 a.m. to midnight and were given only a half-hour food break...Forced labor is a global issue, with an estimated 12.3 million people forced into such situations, said Joanna Ewart-James of the organization Anti-Slavery International. Forced labor can be found in both the agricultural and manufacturing sectors...About 80 percent of forced laborers work for private companies.