The French authorities have launched a fresh investigation into threats made against the judge who presided over Marine Le Pen’s high-profile trial, intensifying the political and legal turmoil surrounding the controversial case. The investigation, reported by AFP, follows an outcry from Le Pen’s supporters and raises further questions about the impact of judicial decisions on France’s political landscape.
On March 31, Marine Le Pen, former leader of the right-wing National Rally (RN) party and a three-time presidential candidate, was convicted of embezzling European Parliament funds. The court sentenced her to four years in prison-two of which are suspended-while the remaining two years are to be served under electronic monitoring. Additionally, she was fined and barred from holding public office for five years. The ruling effectively prevents Le Pen from running in the 2027 presidential election, a scenario that has triggered outrage among her political base.
The case against Le Pen revolved around allegations that she misused European Parliament funds by diverting them from official duties to finance party activities in France. The verdict has been fiercely contested by Le Pen, who has maintained her innocence and vowed to appeal, calling the ruling a politically motivated attempt to sideline her ahead of the next election.
The latest investigation stems from threats received by Judge Bénédicte de Perthuis, who oversaw Le Pen’s case. According to French media reports, de Perthuis was subjected to a barrage of menacing messages, some of which contained explicit personal threats. As a precautionary measure, she was placed under police protection, with law enforcement reportedly stationed outside her home to ensure her safety.
On April 1, the Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that it had launched an investigation into the threats against de Perthuis. The probe has been assigned to the Brigade for Repression of Crimes Against the Person, a specialized police unit that deals with serious offenses. This marks the second investigation linked to threats related to Le Pen’s trial; an earlier case, opened in January, focused on death threats posted on the far-right website Riposte Laique. These threats targeted both de Perthuis and two prosecutors involved in the case, Louise Neyton and Nicolas Barret. The posts were subsequently deleted, but authorities have been examining their origins and the individuals behind them.
Le Pen’s conviction has sent shockwaves through France’s political landscape. Her supporters have voiced their fury online, decrying what they perceive as a politically motivated judicial maneuver designed to prevent her from challenging the establishment in 2027. Many of her allies in the National Assembly argue that the case is part of a broader strategy to neutralize right-wing opposition ahead of the next presidential race.
The ruling has also intensified speculation about Le Pen’s future in French politics. While she is barred from running unless her conviction is overturned, her party remains a dominant force in the National Assembly. According to a recent Ifop poll, she continues to be the most popular political figure in France, outpacing her nearest potential rival, former Prime Minister Édouard Philippe, by more than ten points. This level of support suggests that any perceived attempt to sideline her legally may only bolster her image as a political outsider fighting against the establishment.
In response to the conviction, Le Pen has doubled down on her assertion that the ruling is an orchestrated effort to undermine her political ambitions. She has vowed to appeal, with her legal team expected to challenge the court’s decision rigorously. The Paris Court of Appeal has stated that it will review the case and issue a ruling by summer 2026. If the appeal results in an acquittal or a reduced sentence, Le Pen could still be eligible to run in the 2027 presidential election.
Her party, the National Rally, has stood firmly behind her, arguing that the case represents judicial overreach and an attack on democracy. Party officials have suggested that the investigation into the threats against de Perthuis is a distraction aimed at shifting focus away from the controversial nature of Le Pen’s conviction.
Le Pen’s case has reignited debates over the intersection of politics and the judiciary in France. Some analysts argue that the legal proceedings against her reflect an increasingly aggressive effort to curb populist movements that challenge the mainstream political order. Others believe that the prosecution was legitimate and that Le Pen, like any public figure, must be held accountable for financial misconduct.
This is not the first time a high-profile political figure in France has faced legal trouble. Former President Nicolas Sarkozy was convicted in multiple corruption-related cases, and former Prime Minister François Fillon’s 2017 campaign was derailed by allegations of financial impropriety. However, what makes Le Pen’s case particularly contentious is the timing and severity of the ruling, which has led many of her supporters to see it as an explicit attempt to remove her from electoral competition.
With both Le Pen’s appeal and the investigation into the threats against Judge de Perthuis underway, the situation remains fluid. The outcome of her legal battle will likely have a significant impact on France’s political future. If her conviction is upheld, the National Rally will have to consider alternative candidates for 2027-potentially opening the door for figures like Jordan Bardella, the party’s young and rising star.
Conversely, if Le Pen’s appeal is successful, she could re-enter the presidential race with renewed momentum, positioning herself as a leader who has overcome a politically motivated attack. In the meantime, the investigation into the threats against the judge will continue to play a crucial role in shaping public perception of the case.
Regardless of the legal outcome, one thing is certain: Marine Le Pen remains a central figure in French politics, and the controversy surrounding her trial is far from over. The months and years ahead will determine whether this episode ultimately derails her career or solidifies her status as a political force to be reckoned with.
Sonjib Chandra Das is a Staff Correspondent of Blitz.