On Thursday, French far-right leader commented on the death threats against a judge and the prosecutors handling her graft trial, calling for punitive action against the perpetrators. The threats, outlined in a police investigation detailed by Reuters, risk jeopardizing Le Pen's potential candidacy in the 2027 presidential election.
Lead prosecutors Neyton and Barret proposed a five-year ban from public office for Le Pen, with a verdict expected from three judges, led by de Perthuis, on March 31.
Le Pen condemned the threats, originating in now-deleted comments on the far-right website Riposte Laique, emphasizing the gravity of targeting individuals in positions of authority. She urged for legal action, stating, Prosecutions must therefore be systematically initiated and the perpetrators convicted.
Justice Minister Darmanin also expressed support for the threatened magistrates, labeling the threats as "unacceptable."
Le Pen and her National Rally party face allegations of misappropriating European Parliament funds. In a recent TV interview, she maintained her innocence and criticized any attempt to impede her participation in the electoral process, viewing it as an affront to democracy.
The tense atmosphere surrounding the trial has underscored broader concerns in France about escalating violence towards authority figures, exemplified by numerous attacks against officials and a thwarted ambush against a prosecutor investigating organized crime.
Marie-Suzanne Le Queau, the attorney general of the Paris Court of Appeal, highlighted this alarming trend, stating, All those who exercise authority are increasingly the target of death threats and completely uninhibited remarks.