France opens investigation into death threats against judges in Le Pen’s trial

French authorities have launched an investigation into death threats issued against judges involved in the trial of Marine Le Pen, following her conviction on corruption charges earlier this week.

The threats, reportedly posted on a far-right website, were directed at the judges who sentenced the former presidential candidate. Paris Public Prosecutor Laure Beccuau announced the probe on Tuesday, stating that it was initiated to address "reprehensible remarks made against the judges" who collectively delivered the verdict.

The investigation is being led by the National Center for the Fight against Online Hate (PNLH) and assigned to the Brigade for the Repression of Crime against Persons (BRDP). This follows an earlier investigation earlier this year, which was opened in response to death threats against the judge presiding over Le Pen’s trial and prosecutors involved in the case.

The recent threats surfaced after the Paris Court sentenced Le Pen to five years of ineligibility for public office and four years in prison, including two years under electronic surveillance. Le Pen, who has denied any wrongdoing, was convicted for corruption-related charges.

In response to the escalating personal attacks on the judiciary, the First Presidency of the Paris Court of Appeal issued a statement calling for "respect for the judiciary," condemning the attacks on the three judges involved in the case, particularly on social media.

Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau condemned the threats as "absolutely unacceptable" and expressed the government’s readiness to place the judges under protection, alongside Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin.

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