French judicial council stresses independence in wake of Marine Le Pen's conviction

By Esra Tekin and Feiza Ben Mohamed

ISTANBUL (AA) - The French High Judicial Council, or CSM, on Monday expressed concerns over some comments following Marine Le Pen's conviction, saying they are "likely to seriously call into question the independence of the judiciary, the foundation of the rule of law."

Calling for the "moderation in comments on the decision,” the high council said, "threats personally targeting the judges in charge of the case, as well as statements by political leaders on the merits of the prosecution or conviction, particularly during deliberations, cannot be accepted in a democratic society."

The statement was issued amid widespread commentary following the sentencing of former National Rally (RN) president Le Pen, a leading contender in the 2027 presidential election, to a four-year prison sentence for embezzling EU funds, and a five-year public office ban.

The judge also handed Le Pen a 100,000-euro ($108,200) fine.

The ruling drew reactions from France and beyond. While the current head of the party, Jordan Bardella, said "French democracy is being executed," MP Eric Ciotti pointed to "a disgraceful legal conspiracy."

Tech billionaire Elon Musk, who is an ally of US President Donald Trump, termed it an abuse by the "radical left."

The Italian government's second-in-command, Matteo Salvini, said the sentence aims to "exclude her from political life."

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said, “I am Marine!”

Le Pen's lawyer, Rodolphe Bosselut, said the verdict would be appealed. While the appeal would suspend the sentence and fine, it would not affect the ineligibility and the process may take a long time.