Alleged terrorist's confession 'extracted under duress'

A French-Algerian who admitted plotting an attack on the US Embassy in Paris has now claimed that his confession was extracted under physical duress.

Djamel Beghal told investigators in the United Arab Emirates that he was recruited by Osama bin Laden’s al-Qaeda network to oversee the bomb plot.

He was extradited to France earlier this week and has now told French investigators that these claims were completely untrue.

Beghal complained that during questioning in Dubai, where he was arrested on July 28, he was beaten in the abdomen and blindfolded.