Mexico City, July 17 (IANS/EFE): Testimonies by 12 of the 500 children rescued from a vermin-infested shelter in the western Mexican state of Michoacan have confirmed reports that they suffered sexual, physical and psychological abuse, the attorney general's office said.
Mexican State Attorney General Jesus Murillo said in a press conference Wednesday the testimonies and the poor condition of the children's home in the city of Zamora were a clear evidence of illegal behaviour.
The children were rescued Tuesday following several complaints against the squalid private shelter, which housed 600 people, including newborn babies, children and adults older than 40 who slept on the floor, begged in the streets and were subjected to sexual abuse.
The founder and owner of the home, Rosa del Carmen Verduzco, and eight employees have been arrested.
Murillo said he was shocked by the "inhuman" conditions of the “La Gran Familia" home, a shelter which was regarded as "prestigious" and had received financial support from the federal Government, the state and international organisations.
One of the victims said she had been subjected to physical and psychological abuse and forced by a man to engage in oral sex under death threats, said criminal investigation chief at the State Attorney's office Tomas Zeron.
Another was hit in the face, forced to have oral sex and locked in a very small room which they called "El Pinocho" for long periods of time with no food or water as a "punishment".
A young female said she was beaten with a hose and reported that one of the shelter's employees compelled her to perform sexual acts.
One girl told investigators she was sexually abused by one of the administrators, who got her pregnant and later beat her to cause an abortion.
Another victim claimed she was deceived by the founder of the refuge, Verduzco, known as Mama Rosa, who offered to free her cousin but then locked up both girls.
"The statements of the victims play a very important role in the preliminary investigation," said Murillo, who added that they just had 12 testimonies and there would be many more.
Some statements accuse those responsible for the shelter of abuse, but others describe them as "true protectors", so "we have to be very careful", he added.
The attorney general described the case as "terrible and shocking" and said his office would "fulfill its duty, which is to protect crime victims".
He added that the investigation was open and "possible charges" against Verduzco and her eight assistants have yet to be determined.
Officials confirmed that Verduzco was admitted to hospital for a nervous breakdown and was under protection of federal forces.