Police in Mexico City say they have freed 107 people who were imprisoned and forced to work in a clandestine factory. As slave workers, they had to work 16 hour days making shopping bags and clothing accessories. They were fed chicken feet and rotten vegetables.
 
Authorities raided the factory after a long investigation following a complaint from a worker who managed to escape.
 
Mexican media reported the freed workers were suffering from malnutrition and showed signs of physical abuse.
 
“The victims lived in inhumane and unhealthy conditions and they were extremely mistreated, including sexual abuse. Many of them suffered from malnutrition and dehydration,“ explained Miguel Angel Mancera, Attorney General in Mexico City.
 
Police have charged 23 men with human trafficking. The group is said to have preyed up Mexico’s indigenous communities, where many do not speak Spanish. The victims were allegedly lured away or abducted.
 
The factory was hidden inside an alcohol and drug rehabilitation centre. It had been open for at least eight years.
 
Other victims were drug and alcohol addicts rounded up from the city’s streets. There are also allegations that police officers were involved. 

Copyright © 2012 euronews