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Marine Le Pen verdict raises tricky questions about justice and democracy | Letters
Anthony Richards thinks democracies must defeat dangerous ideologies at the ballot box, not in the courtroom, while Dave Pollard calls out the hypocrisy of the far right. Plus letters from Colin Leisk and Michel GrattonWhile I abhor the politics of Marine Le Pen, I believe the recent decision by the French judiciary to bar her from running for public office for five years raises important and uncomfortable questions about the relationship between justice and democracy (Report, 31 March).The idea that someone convicted of serious offences may be unfit for high office is entirely reasonable. But in this case, the use of relatively new legal powers – at a moment of high political consequence – risks appearing politically motivated, even if it isn’t. That perception matters. Democracies must defeat dangerous ideologies at the ballot box, not in the courtroom. Continue reading...
Anthony Richards thinks democracies must defeat dangerous ideologies at the ballot box, not in the courtroom, while Dave Pollard calls out the hypocrisy of the far right. Plus letters from Colin Leisk and Michel Gratton
While I abhor the politics of Marine Le Pen, I believe the recent decision by the French judiciary to bar her from running for public office for five years raises important and uncomfortable questions about the relationship between justice and democracy (Report, 31 March).
The idea that someone convicted of serious offences may be unfit for high office is entirely reasonable. But in this case, the use of relatively new legal powers – at a moment of high political consequence – risks appearing politically motivated, even if it isn’t. That perception matters. Democracies must defeat dangerous ideologies at the ballot box, not in the courtroom. Continue reading...
