Algerian investigated for Paris bomb links

A 30 year old Algerian, Boualem Bensaid, is the first suspect to be placed under formal investigation, one step short of being charged, for a July 25, 1995 explosion, which injured 120, officials said.

Anti-terrorist judge Jean Francoi Ricard placed Bensaid under investigation on July 3 for murder, destruction by explosives leading to death or mutilation and criminal conspiracy with a terrorist organization, officials said.

Bensaid, who denies any involvement, has been held in a French jail since November.

The investigation into the bombing, which was part of series of attacks that killed ten and wounded 160 from July to October 1995, has targeted Algerian Islamic Militants who have threatened France for supporting Algeria's mitilary-backed government.