Rights Group: Mexican Police Raped Women

Mexican women were raped or molested by police during a recent riot, a federal Mexican human rights watch group alleged.

The rapes allegedly took place while Mexican authorities were regaining control of a town where rioters clashed with police, El Universal reported Wednesday. In all 23 women were allegedly raped or sexually assaulted, said the Mexican National Human Rights Committee.

The violence in San Salvador Atenco started late last month when three street vendors were arrested for allegedly trading without the proper permit.

The city was the scene of 2002 riots by farmers who were protesting the construction of an airport in nearby Mexico City, which was eventually canceled.