LUSAKA, Zambia — Zambian authorities have rearrested eight Croatians Tuesday, stopping them from leaving the nation after a court docket dropped little one trafficking prices in opposition to them a day earlier.

“I can verify that they’ve been rearrested on the directions of NPA (the Nationwide Prosecutions Authority). I’m not certain of the fees although,” immigration spokesman Namati Nshinka instructed The Related Press.

Zambian officers prevented the eight Croatians — 4 {couples} — from boarding a flight to depart the southern African nation. On Monday a court docket dismissed little one trafficking prices in opposition to them following purposes by their legal professionals. They’d earlier pleaded not responsible.

The fees alleged that on December 7, final yr, the 4 {couples} acted collectively to site visitors the kids. The younger kids have been from neighboring Congo and the {couples} mentioned they adopted the kids by a lawyer.

The eight embody Zoran Subosic, 52, a guitarist in a well known band Hladno Pivo, or Chilly Beer, and Immovic Subosic, 41, an administrator, in keeping with Croatian media. Others embody Damir Magic, 44, {an electrical} technician, Nadic Magic, 45, a technician, Ladislav Persic, 42, a medical physician, Aleksandra Persic, 43, a hair salon attendant, Noah Kraljevic, 40, a program director and Ivona Kraljevic, 36, a canine handler.

In Croatia, that nation’s international ministry mentioned on Monday that the 4 {couples} have been instructed to depart Zambia inside 48 hours.

No assertion has been made about who’s caring for the younger kids who have been to be adopted.