French far-right leader Marine Le Pen charged for tweeting brutal ISIS images

PARIS – French prosecutors have filed preliminary charges against far-right leader Marine Le Pen for tweeting brutal images of Islamic State violence.

The prosecutor’s office in the Paris suburb of Nanterre said the charges were issued Thursday for “distribution of violent images.” If the case reaches trial and she’s convicted, Le Pen could face three years in prison and 75,000 euros ($90,000 USD) in fines.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

READ MORE: Extreme far-right groups putting aside differences to keep out refugees, promote populism, study suggests

Le Pen’s December 2015 tweets showed executions by IS extremists, including the killing of American reporter James Foley.

Le Pen didn’t comment publicly on the charges, made possible after the French parliament lifted her immunity from prosecution in the case. Lawyer Rodolphe Bosselut, representing Le Pen, wouldn’t comment.

It’s the latest blow to Le Pen, whose party is in crisis after she lost her presidential bid last year.