Man Arrested for Death Threats Against Judge Following Marine Le Pen's Conviction
A 76-year-old man faces charges after threatening the presiding judge involved in Marine Le Pen's case, highlighting concerns over judicial safety.
A 76-year-old man was arrested on April 8 in La Garenne-Colombes, Hauts-de-Seine, for allegedly making death threats against Bénédicte de Perthuis, the president of the correctional tribunal of Paris.
This development follows the conviction of Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right party formerly known as the National Front (FN), now rebranded as Rassemblement National, regarding the misuse of public funds to cover costs for party employees using European Parliament money.
The Paris public prosecutor's office confirmed that the suspect had made violent remarks on social media, including a message accompanied by an image of a guillotine, stating, “What this bitch deserves.” He has been placed in police custody on charges of making death threats against a magistrate and insulting a magistrate in the exercise of their duties.
Investigators from the Brigade for the Repression of Delinquency Against Persons have taken charge of the case.
On March 31, Marine Le Pen was sentenced to four years in prison, with two years to be served in an electronic monitoring program, along with a fine of €100,000 and immediate disqualification from holding public office for five years.
The court found her significantly involved in a scheme that diverted approximately €4 million in public funds intended for European Parliament staff salaries between 2004 and 2016. A total of 24 individuals, including members of the party, have been convicted in connection with the case.
Following the ruling, judicial officials, particularly Judge de Perthuis, have faced a surge in threatening communications.
Reports indicate that this has led to her being placed under police protection due to the nature and severity of the threats.
The Superior Council of the Judiciary expressed its concerns regarding the prevalence of threats and insults directed at judges associated with the case, particularly after the judgment.
The personal information of Judge de Perthuis has reportedly been shared online, prompting increased security measures including regular patrols around her residence.
The investigation into these threats involves assessing various criminal implications, including cyber harassment, public insults, and the dissemination of personal data that may compromise personal safety.
Earlier in the year, a separate investigation was initiated regarding death threats posted on an extremist website following prosecutorial requests.
These threats targeted the judge who presided over the trial and two prosecutors who had sought penalties against the defendants, including Le Pen.
Five individuals linked to these threats have been identified and are expected to be questioned in connection with their online activities.
Given the high-profile nature of the case and the implications for political figures in France, the investigation into the threats against judiciary officials continues to underscore broader issues surrounding public safety for legal professionals in the aftermath of politically charged trials.
This development follows the conviction of Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right party formerly known as the National Front (FN), now rebranded as Rassemblement National, regarding the misuse of public funds to cover costs for party employees using European Parliament money.
The Paris public prosecutor's office confirmed that the suspect had made violent remarks on social media, including a message accompanied by an image of a guillotine, stating, “What this bitch deserves.” He has been placed in police custody on charges of making death threats against a magistrate and insulting a magistrate in the exercise of their duties.
Investigators from the Brigade for the Repression of Delinquency Against Persons have taken charge of the case.
On March 31, Marine Le Pen was sentenced to four years in prison, with two years to be served in an electronic monitoring program, along with a fine of €100,000 and immediate disqualification from holding public office for five years.
The court found her significantly involved in a scheme that diverted approximately €4 million in public funds intended for European Parliament staff salaries between 2004 and 2016. A total of 24 individuals, including members of the party, have been convicted in connection with the case.
Following the ruling, judicial officials, particularly Judge de Perthuis, have faced a surge in threatening communications.
Reports indicate that this has led to her being placed under police protection due to the nature and severity of the threats.
The Superior Council of the Judiciary expressed its concerns regarding the prevalence of threats and insults directed at judges associated with the case, particularly after the judgment.
The personal information of Judge de Perthuis has reportedly been shared online, prompting increased security measures including regular patrols around her residence.
The investigation into these threats involves assessing various criminal implications, including cyber harassment, public insults, and the dissemination of personal data that may compromise personal safety.
Earlier in the year, a separate investigation was initiated regarding death threats posted on an extremist website following prosecutorial requests.
These threats targeted the judge who presided over the trial and two prosecutors who had sought penalties against the defendants, including Le Pen.
Five individuals linked to these threats have been identified and are expected to be questioned in connection with their online activities.
Given the high-profile nature of the case and the implications for political figures in France, the investigation into the threats against judiciary officials continues to underscore broader issues surrounding public safety for legal professionals in the aftermath of politically charged trials.
