Former French mercenary Bob Denard and 26 others went on trial in a Paris court for a 1995 coup attempt on the Comoros Islands, which Denard ruled for 11 years.

An accused Basque terror leader escaped from a high-security Paris prison by switching places with his brother during visiting hours.

An accused Basque terror leader escaped from a high-security Paris prison by switching places with his brother during visiting hours.

Tense negotiations were continuing today with armed prisoners holding two guards hostage at a high security Paris prison - nearly 20 hours after a failed escape attempt via helicopter.

The eldest son of late French President Francois Mitterrand has changed his mind and will pay a hefty bail to leave a Paris prison after three weeks behind bars for his suspected role in an arms trafficking deal.