The former leader of the right-wing National Rally party has told the crowd she will continue to fight following her conviction

Thousands of demonstrators have gathered in central Paris to express their support for the former leader of the right-wing National Rally (RN) party, Marine Le Pen. The politician and a three-time presidential candidate received a prison sentence for embezzlement earlier last Monday.

Backed by 120 RN MPs, Le Pen addressed the crowd from a temporary stage erected at Place Vauban, near the golden dome of Les Invalides and the tomb of Napoleon on Sunday. She called her prosecution a political "witch-hunt," vowing to "not give up."

"This decision has trampled on everything I hold most dear: my people, my country, and my honor," the politician stated as her supporters waved numerous French national flags and chanted: "Marine for president!" and "They won't steal 2027 from us!"

A Paris court sentenced Le Pen to four years in prison, of which two are suspended, and the other two will be served under a form of house arrest. She was also handed a five-year ban on holding political office, which effectively disqualifies her from the 2027 presidential race.

According to the prosecutors, the veteran politician used the EU funds intended to cover the work of aides in the European Parliament to pay for staffers in France. She denied any wrongdoing and has promised to appeal the verdict.

During the rally, Le Pen blasted the EU and its anti-fraud agency, OLAF, a "totalitarian organism." "The system's only purpose is to stay in place, no matter the cost," she stated, claiming that national leaders were being persecuted throughout the bloc.

"Uncomfortable candidates are prevented from running," she said in reference to a Romanian presidential candidate, Calin Georgescu, who was also recently barred from participating in the national election.

According to the rally organizers, between 5,000 and 8,000 people were expected to turn up at the event, Politico reported. During the rally, RN leader, Jordan Bardella stated that 10,000 people were present at the demonstration held under the slogan: "Save Democracy!"

"The people must be free to choose their leaders - without interference from political judges," he told the crowd. The police put the number of demonstrators at 7,000, according to the Guardian.

A left-wing counter-protest was also held in Paris on Sunday. The event was joined by some 5,000 people and was attended by some left-wing parties' leaders, including the Green Party's head, Marine Tondelier, and the national coordinator of the France Unbowed, Manuel Bompard.

(RT.com)