More than 100 bodies found in Mexican mass grave More than a hundred bodies are being exhumed from a mass grave site in the central Mexican state of Morelos – […]

More than a hundred bodies are being exhumed from a mass grave site in the central Mexican state of Morelos – one of the country’s worst affected areas in its current epidemic of drug-related violence.

The two pits, each measuring some 10m (33ft) in depth, were discovered in November near the rural town of Tetelcingo just south of Mexico City and are said to contain 116 bodies.

Prosecutors say that the bodies may have been dumped illegally by mortuary officials on 28 March 2014, although the investigation into who is responsible is continuing.

The i newsletter cut through the noise Email address is invalid Email address is invalid Thank you for subscribing! Sorry, there was a problem with your subscription.

The United Nations estimate that 20,000 Mexican citizens have gone missing

There are several estimates of just how many people have disappeared in Mexico as its war with domestic drug cartels rages on. The United Nations estimate that 20,000 Mexican citizens have gone missing – due to either kidnap or murder – although other organisations think the number could be much higher.

The exhumation is expected to take five days, with genetic samples taken from every set of remains for identification purposes before they are buried in marked graves.

A country sinking into barbarism

“We recognize the tireless struggle of the relatives and victims’ organisations of the more than 30,000 missing in this country that’s sinking into barbarism,” said Alejandro Vera, rector of the Autonomous University of the state of Morelos, who started a program for families and friends who are searching for their loved ones.

State prosecutor Javier Perez Duron said that an investigation is underway to find out who is responsible for the mass burial.

“It is extremely important and the highest responsibility to count the bodies, give them a dignified burial, take samples, which is the most important, to see if a relative here or in another state or beyond these borders is looking for a relative and who could be here,” he said.