The trial of Islamic militants accused of helping to carry out bomb attacks in Paris has begun.

The 38 defendants are mostly of Algerian origin and stand accused of giving aid to bombers who killed eight people and injured over 170 in a wave of bombings in 1995. They are not accused of planting the bombs themselves.

Although the identities of the bombers are still unknown the responsibility for the attacks was claimed by the GIA - the Armed Islamic Group.

The GIA have been waging a guerrilla war against the Algerian government since the cancellation of elections in 1992.

Islamic fundamentalists have frequently accused the French government of siding with the Algerian administration. Security at the Palace of Justice was extremely tight as the defendants made their way to court.

The trial is likely to last until December 10, the accused face sentences of up to ten years in jail.
 

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