PARIS, FRANCE - APRIL 12, 2025: Following a court ruling that found French far-right politician Marine Le Pen guilty of corruption, protests were held across France against threats to the rule of law. In response to Le Pen’s conviction, various left-wing and environmental organizations called for demonstrations in defense of democracy and the rule of law. Protests were held in 40 cities, including Paris. In Paris, demonstrators gathered at the iconic Place de la République, voicing their opposition to threats against the rule of law and discrimination against minorities. Protesters reacted strongly to the attacks directed at the judiciary following the announcement of Le Pen’s verdict. They carried banners reading, “Don’t Touch My Rule of Law,” “Threatening the Rule of Law Means Threatening Democracy,” “You Can Fool Voters, But Not a Judge,” and “Democracy Is in Danger, Let’s Take Action.” Demonstrators sang and danced during the protest. – The Case Le Pen was convicted of embezzling European Union (EU) funds. On March 31, the Paris Criminal Court sentenced the far-right leader to a five-year political ban, along with four years in prison—two of which were suspended and two to be served under electronic monitoring—and a €100,000 fine. Although the court ruled that Le Pen will not serve her sentence in prison, her lawyers have made an objection against the decision. Writing by Ayse Elif Erdis