Ten U.S. Baptist volunteers accused of kidnapping 33 children in Haiti may be released from jail but kept in Haiti until a final ruling is made in their case, according to major news outlets.
The Associated Press (AP) and The New York Times both reported Feb. 11 that Judge Bernard Saint-Vil will recommend to the prosecutor that the 10 volunteers be released but be required to remain in the country while the investigation continues and until a final decision is made in their case.
The prosecutor can then agree or object to the recommendation, although in Haiti’s judicial system the same judge still makes the final ruling.
“After listening to the families, I see the possibility that they can all be released,” Saint-Vil told the AP. “I am recommending that all 10 Americans be released.”
It is not known when a ruling on the actual charges will be made.
The five men and five women were arrested Jan. 29 and accused of trying to kidnap the children across the border, although the volunteers said they were simply taking the kids to safety in the Dominican Republican and that the children, ages 2 to 12, either were orphans or the parents had granted permission. The volunteers denied there was any wrongdoing, and, in fact, some parents told the judge that they indeed had agreed to allow their children be taken to the Dominican Republic.
The controversy surrounded whether the volunteers had the proper paperwork to cross the border with the children.
Nine of the 10 are members of Southern Baptist churches. (BP)
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