Le Pen Conviction Leads to Death Threats

French President Emmanuel Macron has taken a firm stand defending judicial independence after a judge who convicted far-right leader Marine Le Pen received death threats, highlighting escalating tensions in France’s political landscape.

Key Insights

Judge Bénédicte de Perthuis is under police protection after receiving numerous personal threats following her ruling against Le Pen.
Le Pen was sentenced to four years in prison (two suspended) for misappropriating European Parliament funds, plus a €100,000 fine and a five-year election ban.
The conviction could prevent Le Pen from running in the 2027 presidential election unless overturned on appeal.
President Macron emphasized that “the law is the same for everyone” while condemning threats against judges as “unbearable and intolerable.”

Judicial Independence Under Attack

The French judiciary has become the center of political controversy after Judge Bénédicte de Perthuis, who sentenced Marine Le Pen for embezzlement of European Parliament funds, began receiving what French media described as “a large number of messages containing clearly expressed personal threats.” Police patrols have been stationed outside her home as a protective measure, signaling the severity of the situation. The threats emerged after Le Pen was convicted of misusing EU funds and received a sentence that could effectively end her presidential ambitions.

French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin condemned the threats, stating, “The threats made against the magistrates of the Paris Judicial Court are unacceptable in a democracy and worrying for the independence of the judicial authority.” This sentiment was echoed by Prosecutor General Rémy Heitz, who emphasized the danger of personalized attacks on judges who are simply fulfilling their constitutional duties to uphold the law regardless of a defendant’s political standing.

Le Pen’s Conviction and Political Fallout

The court’s verdict against Le Pen included a four-year prison sentence with two years suspended, two years under house arrest with electronic monitoring, a €100,000 fine, and a five-year ban from holding public office. This last penalty is particularly significant as it would prevent her from contesting the 2027 presidential election, potentially removing President Macron’s strongest challenger from the political field. Le Pen has vowed to appeal the decision, which she characterized as a “political” rather than judicial ruling.

The conviction has drawn international attention, with United States President Donald Trump describing it as “a very big deal.” Le Pen’s supporters have rallied around her, claiming the judicial process was manipulated to eliminate her from the political arena. The timing of the conviction, coming as Le Pen’s National Rally party was gaining momentum in French politics, has fueled these accusations of political interference.

Macron Defends Judicial System

President Emmanuel Macron, speaking through government spokeswoman Sophie Primas, emphasized three key principles in response to the growing controversy: “that the judiciary is independent; that the threats made against judges are absolutely unbearable and intolerable; the law is the same for everyone.” This statement underscores the administration’s position that the judicial process must be respected regardless of political consequences.

Macron also highlighted that all defendants, including Le Pen, have the right to appeal – a process that could potentially restore her eligibility before the 2027 election if completed by summer 2026. This has sparked debate about whether courts should enforce ineligibility bans immediately or wait for the appeals process to conclude. The president’s comments attempt to balance respect for the judicial decision while acknowledging the legal recourse available in France’s democratic system.