French aid workers released after Chadian pardon

PARIS (CNN) - Six French aid workers convicted of plotting to kidnap African children for adoption in Europe have been released from prison following their pardon by Chad's president, according to the French Justice Ministry.

The workers from the international charity Zoe's Ark and a Chadian middleman were arrested in October and sentenced to eight years in prison. Under an agreement between Chad and France, the French aid workers were allowed to serve their time in a French jail.

Chadian President Idriss Deby pardoned the seven convicts Monday, state radio announced.