French far-right leader on trial for inciting hatred
Marine Le Pen, the leader of France's far-right National Front, went on trial Tuesday on charges of inciting hatred after comparing Muslim street prayers to the Nazi occupation.
The 47-year-old, who has won a string of election successes after working to soften the party's image, appeared in court over the comments she made while campaigning to take over the FN leadership from her father five years ago.
"I have committed no crime," said a smiling Le Pen as she entered the court in the southeastern city of Lyon.
If convicted, she faces up to a year in prison or a fine of up to 45,000 euros ($51,000).
But prosecutors asked that Le Pen be acquitted.
"Mrs Le Pen, by denouncing these prayers in the public space, which did not refer to the entire Muslim community but to a minority, only exercised her freedom of expression," prosecutor Bernard Reynaud said.
While on the campaign trail in December 2010, Le Pen complained about places in France where Muslims worshipped in the streets outside mosques when they were full.
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