Marine Le Pen: Judge Who Sentenced Her Faces Death Threats After Address Leak

Under police protection, the judge who sentenced Marine Le Pen, the leader of France’s far-right party, is currently facing numerous death threats after her home address was leaked on social media. The ruling on March 31, 2025, disqualified Le Pen from running in future elections due to misuse of EU funds. Benedicte de Pertuis, the presiding judge who sentenced Le Pen to a five-year ban from public office, has been placed under constant police surveillance due to threats from enraged supporters of the French leader. Beyond de Pertuis, other judges involved in the case have also received similar threats. This alarming situation has caused significant concern among French authorities as photos of the judges circulate online and on far-right websites. A populist wave undermining trust in the French judicial system seems to be rising. Nearly 90% of supporters of Le Pen’s National Rally (RN) party believe the court treated their leader more harshly compared to other politicians, according to a survey by Odoxa. However, more than half of the French population believe Le Pen received a fair trial. Kristof Soular, president of the Court of Cassation, stated in an interview with Le Monde that these threats highlight a weakening of French democracy during an ‘alarming time.’ ‘Attacks on the judiciary are not just against judges but against the foundations of our democracy. Today, judges face personal attacks, especially on social media, which is a new phenomenon,’ emphasized Soular. Paris police confirmed that an investigation into the threats is ongoing.