A JUDGE in France filed preliminary charges against former President Jacques Chirac yesterday in a probe of suspicions that people were given fake jobs while he was mayor of Paris, his lawyer said.

The judge placed Chirac under formal investigation for suspected embezzlement of public funds, said the attorney, Jean Veil. The case is one of several hanging over Chirac, who had kept investigators at arm’s length while he was president by using the immunity that comes with the post.

Under French law, preliminary charges mean the investigating judge has determined there is strong evidence to suggest involvement in a crime. The filing gives the magistrate time to further pursue an investigation that can result in a trial or the dropping of charges if no crime is found.

(SD-Agencies)