Detained Baptists: We were trying to help Haitian kids
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti - Ten U.S. Baptists detained after trying to take 33 children out of earthquake-shattered Haiti without government permission say they were just applying Christian principles to save Haitian children.
But their "Orphan Rescue Mission" is striking nerves in a country that has long suffered from child trafficking and foreign interventions.
Prime Minister Max Bellerive said Sunday the group was arrested and is under judicial investigation for "illegal trafficking of children and we won't accept that." The Americans, mostly from Idaho, are the first people arrested since the Jan. 12 quake on such suspicions. Haitian officials said they lacked proper documents for the children. No charges have been filed. An orphanage where the children, ages 2 months to 12 years, were taken said some of the kids have living parents, who were apparently told the children were going on a holiday.
The group's spokeswoman, Laura Silsby, and others were being held at Haiti's judicial police headquarters until a hearing Monday.- AP
Newsday Investigates: Girl was absent, late in half the school days in months before death ... University says hazing victim responsible for own injuries ... Crossing the Island in one day on public transportation ... Let's Go: Catskill Mountain Railroad
Newsday Investigates: Girl was absent, late in half the school days in months before death ... University says hazing victim responsible for own injuries ... Crossing the Island in one day on public transportation ... Let's Go: Catskill Mountain Railroad
