French authorities are investigating death threats made against a judge and two prosecutors involved in a case against far-right leader Marine Le Pen, potentially barring her from the 2027 presidential election. The threats are part of a wider trend of intimidation faced by legal professionals and politicians in France due to the divisive nature of the case.
Prime frontrunner for the upcoming election, Le Pen and members of her National Rally party are accused of misusing European funds, which they deny. Prosecutors Louise Neyton and Nicolas Barret are pushing for a five-year public office ban for Le Pen should she be found guilty, a decision not subject to appeal.
The threats, originating from comments on a far-right website, include violent statements like one suggesting a judge should be shot. The situation has prompted an investigation by the Paris Police Prefecture's Brigade for the Repression of Crime against Persons.
The online platform implicated with the threats, Riposte Laïque, revealed that its director was questioned by the authorities and that the offending comments have been deleted, although archived versions remain accessible. The website claims to cater to patriotic individuals opposing the "Islamisation" of France.
Critics of the proceedings compare them to actions taken against Donald Trump and Jair Bolsonaro, alleging unfair targeting. The High Council for the Judiciary in France has expressed concern over the threats faced by magistrates, emphasizing the crucial need for judicial independence in upholding justice.