Mexico: 17 arrested over Christian youth camp attack

GUADALAJARA, Mexico – Mexican police have arrested 17 people – including two women, two police officers and a former solider – over the attack on a Christian youth camp on the outskirts of Mexico City last Friday.

The suspects were paraded before the media on Thursday, Milenio reported today.

According to the BBC, some 90 youths camping in the Colibri ecological park were held at gunpoint while they were robbed and beaten during an ordeal lasting several hours.

Five girls were raped while another three were sexually assaulted.

Milenio reported that six of the suspects have confessed to their involvement in the violent rampage.

Another four members of the gang are believed to be at large.

It was the second such large-scale attack in the hilly region this year. In February, armed robbers attacked a group of about 120 hikers and reportedly raped two of them.

The pine and fur forests have been the scene of an increasing number of armed robberies and poor mobile phone coverage means attackers can carry out their crimes without fear of their victims raising the alarm.

The Associated Press said the Mexican equivalent of the Boy Scouts warned its members this week to avoid hiking in small groups and stay clear of about 11 wooded areas on the outskirts of the capital.

They should seek police protection if necessary.

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