Chinese man claims slavery in Costa Rica
SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA – September 26th, 2012 – A 35 year old Chinese man told local TV news yesterday that he was brought to Costa Rica as a slave, escaping from his place of work where he was kept locked up, a couple of months ago.
According to his version of the story, he was brought to Costa Rica as part of a payment for a $1,300 gambling debt owed by his family in China.
The man claims he travelled in a container with dozens of other people. Upon arrival in Costa Rica, he was clandestinely transported to a restaurant where he would serve as a slave.
His long journey from China, according to him, had been carefully planned for months in order to avoid being caught by authorities.
Authorities are currently investigating 13 cases of human trafficking in Costa Rica. A total of 39 people have reported labor and sexual abuse in the country, both foreigners and Costa Ricans.
In the meantime, the man says he is waiting for judicial authorities to contact him and offer protection. He says if he were to return to China, his life would be at risk.
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