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Chad 'kidnappers' move to capital Chad 'kidnappers' move to capital
(10 minutes later)
A group of 16 Europeans who were being held in east Chad in connection with child kidnapping allegations have been flown to the capital, N'Djamena.A group of 16 Europeans who were being held in east Chad in connection with child kidnapping allegations have been flown to the capital, N'Djamena.
They were detained last week in Abeche as they tried to fly to France more than 100 children they claimed were orphans from Sudan's Darfur region.They were detained last week in Abeche as they tried to fly to France more than 100 children they claimed were orphans from Sudan's Darfur region.
However, aid agencies have said 91 of them came from a home with at least one adult considered a parent figure.However, aid agencies have said 91 of them came from a home with at least one adult considered a parent figure.
The transfer took place after a court ruled N'Djamena should handle the case.The transfer took place after a court ruled N'Djamena should handle the case.
Six workers for Zoe's Ark, the French charity behind the flight, were charged with kidnapping on Tuesday and three French journalists and seven Spanish air crew were charged as accomplices.Six workers for Zoe's Ark, the French charity behind the flight, were charged with kidnapping on Tuesday and three French journalists and seven Spanish air crew were charged as accomplices.
'We are not child traffickers' Anxious parents in Chad
If they are found guilty, the main accused will face between five and 20 years in prison with hard labour.If they are found guilty, the main accused will face between five and 20 years in prison with hard labour.
Secrecy
The BBC's Stephanie Hancock in Abeche says the prisoners were driven to the airport in a military convoy shortly after Friday prayers.
'We are not child traffickers' Anxious parents in Chad
Fearing violence if the local population found out the prisoners were to be transferred, the operation was conducted in almost total secrecy.
The prisoners were packed into two cars, one filled with members of the charity, the other with the Spanish air crew members.
One of the Spanish pilots waved briefly to waiting reporters as the cars swept through the airport gates.
The prisoners are expected to be held in a prison in N'Djamena where they will join the 17th European connected with this case, a Belgian pilot.
On Wednesday, Chad's President Idriss Deby indicated the journalists and air hostesses might be released.On Wednesday, Chad's President Idriss Deby indicated the journalists and air hostesses might be released.
But Mr Deby said justice would have to take its course.But Mr Deby said justice would have to take its course.
The affair has caused a diplomatic storm between Chad and its former colonial power, France, although France has condemned the charity's activities. Our correspondent says even if a release is on the cards, it is unlikely to happen during the weekend, meaning yet another spell in custody for the foreign prisoners.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy phoned Mr Deby requesting the release of the three journalists on the grounds that they were not complicit in the alleged abductions.
Mr Deby said he would do everything in his power to secure their release, Mr Sarkozy's office said.
Correspondents say there have been worries the affair will damage relations - France is the main backer of a European Union peace force due to go to the region in the next few weeks to protect Darfur refugees.
People in Abeche came out onto the streets on Wednesday in protest at the alleged kidnappings.