"A check into the center's activities revealed inappropriate measures in the treatment of children. As punishments for bad behavior children were refused exercise, forced to crouch and do push-ups, and a physical education instructor and a tutor would hit children," the statement said.
As a result of cruel treatment, 14 children ran away from the center in the region's Zasviyazhsky District, but were brought back within two days.
If found guilty of the charges, staff could face three years behind bars. Two tutors have been dismissed from the center.
The region's top prosecutor has requested that the head of the regional social security department take measures to prevent further violations and to punish the guilty parties.
