The Algiers criminal court on Sunday (February 17th) postponed the trial of 13 child-trafficking suspects, AFP reported.

The case involves the alleged kidnapping of Algerian children, who were taken to Saint Etienne in France and given up for adoption in return for money.

In addition to child kidnapping and trafficking, the defendants are also accused of conducting criminal operations and forgery.

The judge postponed the trial because six defendants, including French citizens of Algerian origin, did not appear in court.

Algerian security services busted the alleged child-trafficking ring in 2009.