Kindergarten in Juarez Set On Fire By Armed Men

A kindergarten in Juarez, Mexico was set on fire by two armed men Monday night. The attack came after teachers at the school were threatened by extortionist, who demanded the teachers hand over their Christmas bonuses as “protection fees.” The thugs threatened to attack the school and students if teachers did not pay. Police say Monday’s attackers left a message at the school saying the protection fee was unpaid.

Similar demands have been made to the nearly 1,500 schools throughout the city. The threats have led to many classes being suspended and parents pulling their children out of school. Juarez mayor Hector Murguia said steps will be made to better protect the city’s schools, teachers and students.

Last month, Chihuahua State Governor Cesar Duarte spoke out against the violence. "We could not ever allow what is being signaled, even with the severity of the security crisis, but an attempt is being made to destroy the integrity and the tranquility of the teachers, the principals, the parents and the children. To the criminals we say that whoever dares to extort will face life imprisonment,” he said.

###

Click here for more World News