The spokesman for the Wakit Tama group, a coalition of opposition leaders and civil society groups, denounced the trial of six demonstrators who were charged today with gathering to cause public disorder, trespassing, and physical assault. The demonstrators were protesting against what they see as France's continued interference in the country's politics, accusing Paris of supporting the transitional military council that continues to hold power, and demanding a return to civilian rule. "To get to this point, and to force the issue, then the trial is necessarily political" added Soumaine Adoum, a spokesperson for the group. SOUNDBITES