Suspect Count in Indonesian Daycare Abuse Case Rises to 27

The number of suspects in a large-scale child abuse and neglect case at a daycare center in Yogyakarta, Indonesia has risen to 27, police report.

The case came to light after a former employee filed a report claiming children were being treated inhumanely. When police raided the facility in late April, they found dozens of children with their hands and feet bound. Some children were tied to doors, and many had visible injuries.

So far, 144 children have been interviewed, with another 60 expected to be questioned soon. Initially, 13 people were arrested, including the director and caregivers. The center operated without a license and housed far too many children in cramped spaces. Police suspect profit motives were at play, as the daycare took in more children than its staff could handle.

Parents told the BBC that their children came home with injuries and seemed constantly hungry. The daycare attributed the injuries to accidents or fights with other children. One mother described how her daughter would cry hysterically every morning before going to the daycare and would return silent and withdrawn.

The 14 new suspects include caregivers, a security guard, and administrative staff. Caregivers are accused of actively contributing to the abuse, while the guard and other employees are accused of allowing it to continue. Lawyers for the suspects could not be reached for comment. Formal charges against the earlier suspects are pending, and a trial date has not yet been set.