France Braces for Nationwide Protests Defending Rule of Law After Le Pen Verdict

Civil society groups rally across the nation on April 12 in response to far-right backlash against the historic conviction of Marine Le Pen and other Rassemblement National figures.

Marine Le Pen and several far-right figures were sentenced on March 31 for misuse of public funds, with penalties including ineligibility and prison time.
The Rassemblement National has condemned the verdict as a political conspiracy, intensifying debates over judicial independence and political accountability.
In response, over 30 civil society organizations, including the Ligue des Droits de l’Homme and Greenpeace, have organized nationwide protests to support democracy and the rule of law.
Protests are scheduled for April 12 in cities such as Paris, Rouen, Strasbourg, and Brest, with thousands expected to participate.
The demonstrations follow a far-right rally last weekend, highlighting deepening political polarization and growing public mobilization in France.