56 on Trial over Baby Trafficking Network

France - Almost 60 people went on trial today accused of being part of a network that brought pregnant women from Bulgaria to France - and sold their babies to childless couples. The trial in Bobigny, north of Paris, centres on 22 babies who were sold between 2003 and 2005, mostly to couples within France's Roma, or Gypsy, communities, for between £2000 and £3500.The babies' mothers were promised large sums of money by leaders of the network to come to France, give birth and hand their babies over to other couples. Usually they only received a tiny fraction of the money, and prosecutors say the network often forced them to become prostitutes or beggars after giving birth.

Fifty-six people are on trial, and most of them are Bulgarians. Four are suspected organisers of the ring who are already jailed in the affair, while seven others are being hunted through international arrest warrants. They face up to 10 years in prison.