Ten people, including six French aid workers, have gone on trial accused of trying to kidnap 103 children in Chad.
The French citizens, who are members of a humanitarian group called Zoe's Ark, face abduction and fraud charges.
Three Chadians and a Sudanese man are being tried along with them as accomplices.
There was heavy police security as they made their their first court appearance today.
There is reportedly popular pressure for them to be punished despite expectations of a diplomatic deal to send them home.
The six aid workers have denied the charges, saying they were on a humanitarian mission to fly sick and destitute orphans from Darfur for fostering with European families.
If convicted, they could face forced labour sentences of between five to 20 years.
Judges have rejected a defence petition to have the case declared null and void.
But many believe they will be allowed to serve prison terms in France under bilateral accords, or benefit from a pardon from Chadian President Idriss Deby.
