French police are investigating death threats made against a judge and two prosecutors involved in a high-profile corruption trial of far-right leader Marine Le Pen, who faces a possible five-year ban from political office, reports Reuters.
Key Details:
- Allegations and Penalties: Le Pen, her National Rally (RN) party, and several associates are accused of misusing European funds to pay staff in France. Prosecutors Louise Neyton and Nicolas Barret are seeking a five-year ban from public office for Le Pen if found guilty, a ruling that would be final and not subject to appeal.
- Threats Online: The threats, which appeared in the comments section of the far-right website Riposte Laïque, included violent rhetoric such as Judge Bénédicte de Perthuis “deserving a 9mm bullet in the back of (her) neck.” Prosecutors Neyton and Barret also received explicit threats, including calls for their elimination.
- Investigation Underway: The Paris Brigade for the Repression of Crime against Persons (BRDP) is leading the investigation. Riposte Laïque claimed it deleted the comments but acknowledged the risks posed by such rhetoric.
Broader Context:
- Political Climate: Le Pen, a leading candidate for the 2027 presidential election, denies all charges and has criticized the legal proceedings as politically motivated, a sentiment echoed by her allies. This mirrors tactics used by former U.S. President Donald Trump and Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro in response to legal challenges.
- Judicial Independence at Risk: France’s High Council for the Judiciary (CSM) and the largest magistrates’ union have raised concerns over escalating threats to judicial independence amid a global wave of anti-establishment anger.
What’s Next?
A panel of judges, led by De Perthuis, will deliver its verdict on March 31, which could significantly impact Le Pen’s political future. The investigation into the death threats underscores growing concerns about political polarization and the safety of judicial officials in France.
