US Baptists face who tried to take Haiti children from country face judge. AP Video.

By Frank Bajak, AP
Thursday, February 4, 2010

US Baptists face judge in child quake victim case

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — Ten American missionaries who tried to take Haitian children out of the country are facing a prosecutor to learn if they will face child smuggling charges that could put them in prison on the impoverished Caribbean island.

Thursday’s session was being held behind closed doors.

As she entered the court, mission organizer Laura Silsby told reporters, “We expect God’s will be done. And we will be released.”

The Idaho-based church group says it was trying to rescue orphaned and abandoned child victims of the Jan. 12 earthquake. Haitian officials say that many of the 33 children found with them at Haiti’s border still had parents, though they may have handed over the children willingly.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Ten American missionaries who tried to take Haitian children out of the country are facing a judge to learn if they will face child smuggling charges that could put them in prison on the impoverished Caribbean island.

Wednesday’s session was being held behind closed doors.

As she entered the court, mission organizer Laura Silsby told reporters, “We expect God’s will be done. And we will be released.”

The Idaho-based church group says it was trying to rescue orphaned and abandoned child victims of the Jan. 12 earthquake. Haitian officials say that many of the 33 children found with them at Haiti’s border still had parents, though they may have handed over the children willingly.

(This version CORRECTS day as Thursday, prosecutor to make decision. )

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