French court finds Marine Le Pen guilty in embezzlement case

But it did not immediately say what her sentence might be and how it might impact the National Rally leader’s political future.

By contributor Associated Press Reporters

Published Mar 31

Last updated Mar 31

Marine Le Pen arrives at a Paris court expected to deliver a verdict in an embezzlement case that could shake up French politics and derail her career, in Paris, France (Thibault Camus/AP)

A French court has found Marine Le Pen guilty in an embezzlement case but did not immediately say what her sentence might be and how it might impact the National Rally leader’s political future.

Ms Le Pen, sitting in the front row in the Paris court, showed no immediate reaction as the chief judge read the verdict.

The judge also handed down guilty verdicts to eight other current or former members of her party National Rally who, like her, previously served as elected legislators in the European Parliament.

France Far Right Trial — French far-right leader Marine Le Pen, left, arrives at a Paris court expected to deliver a verdict in an embezzlement case that could shake up French politics, in Paris (Thibault Camus/AP)

Ms Le Pen and her co-defendants face up to 10 years in prison.

They can appeal, which would lead to another trial.