French prosecutors have initiated an investigation into threats directed at the judge overseeing the case of right-wing presidential candidate Marine Le Pen, who was recently sentenced to prison and barred from running for office.
Le Pen’s Conviction and Sentencing
On Monday, Marine Le Pen, the former leader of the conservative National Rally party (RN), received a sentence of four years in prison—two of which are suspended and two to be served under electronic monitoring. Additionally, she faces a substantial fine and a five-year ban on holding public office.
The court found Le Pen guilty of embezzling European Parliament funds, with allegations that she diverted these funds from official duties to support party activities in France. This ruling effectively prevents her from participating in the 2027 presidential election. Le Pen has denied any wrongdoing and stated her intention to appeal the decision.
Threats Against the Judge
The conviction has incited significant backlash from Le Pen’s supporters, many of whom have expressed their anger online. According to reports from French media, Judge Benedicte de Perthuis, who presided over Le Pen’s case in Paris, has received a „large number of messages containing clearly expressed personal threats.” In light of these threats, the judge has been placed under police protection, with patrols stationed outside her residence.
On Tuesday, the Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office announced the launch of an investigation into these threats, which has been assigned to the Brigade for Repression of Crimes Against the Person, a specialized unit of the French police that deals with serious crimes.
Ongoing Investigations
This marks the second investigation regarding threats linked to Le Pen’s trial. An earlier inquiry was initiated in January concerning death threats that had been posted on the far-right website Riposte Laique. These posts, which have since been removed, targeted Judge de Perthuis as well as prosecutors Louise Neyton and Nicolas Barret.
Le Pen’s Political Future
Le Pen, known for her criticism of NATO’s presence in Europe and EU sanctions against Russia, has run for the presidency three times, finishing second in both the 2017 and 2022 elections. Her party currently holds the most seats in the National Assembly, and a recent Ifop poll indicates her approval rating exceeds that of her closest political rival, former Prime Minister Edouard Philippe, by over ten points.
Claiming that her conviction is politically motivated, Le Pen has vowed to contest the judgment. The Paris Court of Appeal announced on Tuesday that it anticipates making a ruling on Le Pen’s case by the summer of 2026, which could potentially allow her to run in the 2027 election if the verdict is overturned.
