A French court sentenced Marine Le Pen to four years in prison (two suspended) and a €100,000 fine for embezzlement, simultaneously imposing a five-year ban from public office. This ruling effectively removes her from contention in the 2027 presidential election, pending appeal. While the appeal process is underway and a decision expected before summer 2026, the immediate ban sparked considerable controversy and condemnation, with some criticizing its antidemocratic nature despite Le Pen’s guilt. The ruling also resulted in threats against the judges, highlighting the intense political fallout.
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The European Court of Human Rights overturned a French court’s decision granting a divorce based solely on a 69-year-old woman’s refusal to have sex with her husband. The ECHR ruled that this violated her right to respect for private and family life, finding the imposed marital obligation incompatible with sexual freedom and bodily autonomy. The woman, who had sought the divorce in 2012, argued that health issues and abuse led to the cessation of sexual relations. This ruling potentially marks a significant shift in French jurisprudence regarding fault-based divorces and women’s rights.
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Russia’s demand for France to come up with strong evidence against Telegram’s CEO is truly rich, considering their track record of arbitrary arrests and lack of due process. The irony is almost comical, coming from a country where posting on social media can land you in jail for years. The fact that Russia is defending him speaks volumes – their credibility is already questionable, and their sudden concern for evidence is laughable.
It’s clear that Russia’s motives are suspect. Could it be that Putin actually wants to see Telegram go down, using this situation to score points with his citizens and crack down on a platform that exposes the realities of war in Ukraine?… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker