Le Pen in show of populist defiance

Convicted of embezzling public funds and banned from running for office, far-right politician Marine Le Pen stood unshaken before a sea of French flags in Paris on Sunday. "For 30 years I have fought against injustice," she told the crowd. "And I will continue to fight."

Thousands of supporters gathered at Place Vauban, near the golden dome of Les Invalides and the tomb of Napoleon, for what was billed as a protest - but observers said it had all the markings of a campaign rally.

The National Rally, Le Pen's party, organized the event in response to what it calls a politically motivated verdict. But with chants of "Marine Presidente!" and "They won't steal 2027 from us," the message was clear: this was more than a protest. It was a show of populist defiance aimed squarely at France's institutions.

At the heart of that charge stood Jordan Bardella, Le Pen's 29-year-old protege and president of the National Rally. His speech was fiery, accusing France's judges of trying to silence the opposition.

"March 29 was a dark day for France," he said, referencing the date of Le Pen's conviction. "The people must be free to choose their leaders - without interference from political judges."

Though he claimed the party would respect democracy, Bardella denounced magistrates' unions and warned of "a system determined to crush dissent." Supporters carried signs reading "Justice taking orders" and "Stop the judicial dictatorship." Others wore "Je suis Marine" ("I am Marine") shirts or compared Le Pen to US President Donald Trump, who was convicted of civil fraud: "Trump can run - why not Marine?"

Le Pen was found guilty of using European Parliament funds to pay party staff in France - a scheme the court described as "a democratic bypass." She was sentenced to four years in prison, including two under house arrest and two suspended, and banned from public office for five years, effective immediately. Her appeal is expected next year.

The reaction has been divided. While National Rally supporters denounce the ruling as politically motivated, many outside the party see it as legitimate accountability.

On the other side of the Seine, hundreds gathered for a counter-rally led by left-wing parties, warning that France's far right is embracing US-style authoritarianism.

"This is bigger than Marine Le Pen," said Green Party leader Marine Tondelier. "It's about defending the rule of law from people who think justice is optional."

Placards read "No Trumpism in France" and "Anti-fascist response."

ASSOCIATED PRESS