French court declared Marin Le Pen guilty of EU funds abuse
A Paris court has declared the leader of the far -right French National Party, Marin Le Pen guilty of embezzling funds from the European Parliament. Prior to the verdict, the prosecutor also requested a prison sentence and a five -year ban on performing public office.
Marin Le Pen and eight members of the European Parliament have been found guilty of embezzling EU funds. The sentence is read individually, and according to Judge Chairman Benedict de Putuis, the verdict will be long because it contains « numerous explanations for the decision ». The judgment is expected to take several hours.
The outcome of today’s verdict could prevent Le Pen from running for French president in 2027 – French media reported.
The national rally party, considered by Le Pen as a favorite among potential candidates in the presidential race, described the trial as politically motivated – French media reported.
Le Pen and its party members, members of the European Parliament, have been accused for years of led a massive scheme for embezzlement of European funds.
They are accused of using money for assistants from European parliaments to pay party workers in France.
The prosecutor demanded that Le Pen be fined 300,000 euros and 10 years in prison. Marin Le Pen is threatened with a ban on public office for the next five years, which will take effect immediately, even if a complaint is filed.
