Retired shogi player Hifumi Kato dies at 86

Retired shogi player Hifumi Kato dies at 86

Retired pro shogi player Hifumi Kato (R) chats with young player Sota Fujii in Tokyo in November 2018. The former holder of the most prestigious Meijin title, Kato died of pneumonia on Jan. 22, 2026, aged 86. He had held the record for becoming the youngest pro shogi player at 14 years and seven months in 1954 until Fujii broke it at 14 years and two months in 2016, while he played to the age of 77 years and five months, the oldest on record.

Retired shogi player Hifumi Kato dies at 86

Retired shogi player Hifumi Kato dies at 86

Retiring pro shogi player Hifumi Kato waves after his retirement press conference in Tokyo in June 2017. The former holder of the most prestigious Meijin title, Kato died of pneumonia on Jan. 22, 2026, aged 86. He had held the record for becoming the youngest pro shogi player at 14 years and seven months in 1954 until Sota Fujii broke it at 14 years and two months in 2016, while he played to the age of 77 years and five months, the oldest on record.

Retired shogi player Hifumi Kato dies at 86

Retired shogi player Hifumi Kato dies at 86

Retired pro shogi player Hifumi Kato gives an interview in Tokyo in November 2018. The former holder of the most prestigious Meijin title, Kato died of pneumonia on Jan. 22, 2026, aged 86. He had held the record for becoming the youngest pro shogi player at 14 years and seven months in 1954 until Sota Fujii broke it at 14 years and two months in 2016, while he played to the age of 77 years and five months, the oldest on record.

Retired shogi player Hifumi Kato dies at 86

Retired shogi player Hifumi Kato dies at 86

Pro shogi player Hifumi Kato (R) reviews his match against debutant Sota Fujii after being beaten by him in Tokyo in December 2016. The former holder of the most prestigious Meijin title, Kato died of pneumonia on Jan. 22, 2026, aged 86. He had held the record for becoming the youngest pro shogi player at 14 years and seven months in 1954 until Fujii broke it at 14 years and two months in 2016, while he played to the age of 77 years and five months, the oldest on record.

Yoon Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison on Arrest Obstruction Charges

Yoon Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison on Arrest Obstruction Charges

People watch a televised news report on Yoon Suk-yeol in Seoul, South Korea, on January 16, 2026. South Korea's former impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol was sentenced to five years in prison on arrest obstruction charges, his first verdict on charges stemming from a martial law attempt, live footage showed Friday. Photo by Park Jintaek/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Yoon Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison on Arrest Obstruction Charges

Yoon Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison on Arrest Obstruction Charges

People watch a televised news report on Yoon Suk-yeol's court trial at Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, on January 16, 2026. South Korea's former impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol was sentenced to five years in prison on arrest obstruction charges, live footage showed Friday. Photo by Park Jintaek/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen and Member of French far-right party Rassemblement National (RN) and Perpignan's mayor Louis Aliot leaves during a break at Paris courthouse before the appeal trial of President of the parliamentary group of the French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen and officials of French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party on suspicion of embezzlement of European public funds, in Paris on January 15, 2026. The appeal comes after a court last year barred Le Pen from running for office for five years over a European Parliament fake-jobs scam involving her and other officials from her National Rally party. The hearing is expected to run until February 12, 2026, with a decision expected this summer. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen and Member of French far-right party Rassemblement National (RN) and Perpignan's mayor Louis Aliot leaves during a break at Paris courthouse before the appeal trial of President of the parliamentary group of the French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen and officials of French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party on suspicion of embezzlement of European public funds, in Paris on January 15, 2026. The appeal comes after a court last year barred Le Pen from running for office for five years over a European Parliament fake-jobs scam involving her and other officials from her National Rally party. The hearing is expected to run until February 12, 2026, with a decision expected this summer. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen and Member of French far-right party Rassemblement National (RN) and Perpignan's mayor Louis Aliot leaves during a break at Paris courthouse before the appeal trial of President of the parliamentary group of the French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen and officials of French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party on suspicion of embezzlement of European public funds, in Paris on January 15, 2026. The appeal comes after a court last year barred Le Pen from running for office for five years over a European Parliament fake-jobs scam involving her and other officials from her National Rally party. The hearing is expected to run until February 12, 2026, with a decision expected this summer. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Former French Member of European Parliament and former member of the Front National (which changed its name into Rassemblement National) far-right party Fernand Le Rachinel leaves during a break at Paris courthouse before the appeal trial of President of the parliamentary group of the French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen and officials of French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party on suspicion of embezzlement of European public funds, in Paris on January 15, 2026. The appeal comes after a court last year barred Le Pen from running for office for five years over a European Parliament fake-jobs scam involving her and other officials from her National Rally party. The hearing is expected to run until February 12, 2026, with a decision expected this summer. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Former French Member of European Parliament and former member of the Front National (which changed its name into Rassemblement National) far-right party Fernand Le Rachinel leaves during a break at Paris courthouse before the appeal trial of President of the parliamentary group of the French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen and officials of French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party on suspicion of embezzlement of European public funds, in Paris on January 15, 2026. The appeal comes after a court last year barred Le Pen from running for office for five years over a European Parliament fake-jobs scam involving her and other officials from her National Rally party. The hearing is expected to run until February 12, 2026, with a decision expected this summer. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Former French Member of European Parliament and former member of the Front National (which changed its name into Rassemblement National) far-right party Fernand Le Rachinel leaves during a break at Paris courthouse before the appeal trial of President of the parliamentary group of the French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen and officials of French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party on suspicion of embezzlement of European public funds, in Paris on January 15, 2026. The appeal comes after a court last year barred Le Pen from running for office for five years over a European Parliament fake-jobs scam involving her and other officials from her National Rally party. The hearing is expected to run until February 12, 2026, with a decision expected this summer. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen and Member of French far-right party Rassemblement National (RN) and Perpignan's mayor Louis Aliot leaves during a break at Paris courthouse before the appeal trial of President of the parliamentary group of the French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen and officials of French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party on suspicion of embezzlement of European public funds, in Paris on January 15, 2026. The appeal comes after a court last year barred Le Pen from running for office for five years over a European Parliament fake-jobs scam involving her and other officials from her National Rally party. The hearing is expected to run until February 12, 2026, with a decision expected this summer. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen and Member of French far-right party Rassemblement National (RN) and Perpignan's mayor Louis Aliot leaves during a break at Paris courthouse before the appeal trial of President of the parliamentary group of the French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen and officials of French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party on suspicion of embezzlement of European public funds, in Paris on January 15, 2026. The appeal comes after a court last year barred Le Pen from running for office for five years over a European Parliament fake-jobs scam involving her and other officials from her National Rally party. The hearing is expected to run until February 12, 2026, with a decision expected this summer. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen and Member of French far-right party Rassemblement National (RN) and Perpignan's mayor Louis Aliot leaves during a break at Paris courthouse before the appeal trial of President of the parliamentary group of the French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen and officials of French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party on suspicion of embezzlement of European public funds, in Paris on January 15, 2026. The appeal comes after a court last year barred Le Pen from running for office for five years over a European Parliament fake-jobs scam involving her and other officials from her National Rally party. The hearing is expected to run until February 12, 2026, with a decision expected this summer. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen and Member of French far-right party Rassemblement National (RN) and Perpignan's mayor Louis Aliot leaves during a break at Paris courthouse before the appeal trial of President of the parliamentary group of the French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen and officials of French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party on suspicion of embezzlement of European public funds, in Paris on January 15, 2026. The appeal comes after a court last year barred Le Pen from running for office for five years over a European Parliament fake-jobs scam involving her and other officials from her National Rally party. The hearing is expected to run until February 12, 2026, with a decision expected this summer. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen and Member of French far-right party Rassemblement National (RN) and Perpignan's mayor Louis Aliot leaves during a break at Paris courthouse before the appeal trial of President of the parliamentary group of the French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen and officials of French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party on suspicion of embezzlement of European public funds, in Paris on January 15, 2026. The appeal comes after a court last year barred Le Pen from running for office for five years over a European Parliament fake-jobs scam involving her and other officials from her National Rally party. The hearing is expected to run until February 12, 2026, with a decision expected this summer. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

French former far-right party Rassemblement National MEP Nicolas Bay leaves during a break at Paris courthouse before the appeal trial of President of the parliamentary group of the French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen and officials of French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party on suspicion of embezzlement of European public funds, in Paris on January 15, 2026. The appeal comes after a court last year barred Le Pen from running for office for five years over a European Parliament fake-jobs scam involving her and other officials from her National Rally party. The hearing is expected to run until February 12, 2026, with a decision expected this summer. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen leaves during a break at Paris courthouse before the appeal trial of President of the parliamentary group of the French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen and officials of French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party on suspicion of embezzlement of European public funds, in Paris on January 15, 2026. The appeal comes after a court last year barred Le Pen from running for office for five years over a European Parliament fake-jobs scam involving her and other officials from her National Rally party. The hearing is expected to run until February 12, 2026, with a decision expected this summer. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen leaves during a break at Paris courthouse before the appeal trial of President of the parliamentary group of the French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen and officials of French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party on suspicion of embezzlement of European public funds, in Paris on January 15, 2026. The appeal comes after a court last year barred Le Pen from running for office for five years over a European Parliament fake-jobs scam involving her and other officials from her National Rally party. The hearing is expected to run until February 12, 2026, with a decision expected this summer. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen leaves during a break at Paris courthouse before the appeal trial of President of the parliamentary group of the French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen and officials of French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party on suspicion of embezzlement of European public funds, in Paris on January 15, 2026. The appeal comes after a court last year barred Le Pen from running for office for five years over a European Parliament fake-jobs scam involving her and other officials from her National Rally party. The hearing is expected to run until February 12, 2026, with a decision expected this summer. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen leaves during a break at Paris courthouse before the appeal trial of President of the parliamentary group of the French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen and officials of French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party on suspicion of embezzlement of European public funds, in Paris on January 15, 2026. The appeal comes after a court last year barred Le Pen from running for office for five years over a European Parliament fake-jobs scam involving her and other officials from her National Rally party. The hearing is expected to run until February 12, 2026, with a decision expected this summer. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen leaves during a break at Paris courthouse before the appeal trial of President of the parliamentary group of the French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen and officials of French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party on suspicion of embezzlement of European public funds, in Paris on January 15, 2026. The appeal comes after a court last year barred Le Pen from running for office for five years over a European Parliament fake-jobs scam involving her and other officials from her National Rally party. The hearing is expected to run until February 12, 2026, with a decision expected this summer. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen leaves during a break at Paris courthouse before the appeal trial of President of the parliamentary group of the French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen and officials of French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party on suspicion of embezzlement of European public funds, in Paris on January 15, 2026. The appeal comes after a court last year barred Le Pen from running for office for five years over a European Parliament fake-jobs scam involving her and other officials from her National Rally party. The hearing is expected to run until February 12, 2026, with a decision expected this summer. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen leaves during a break at Paris courthouse before the appeal trial of President of the parliamentary group of the French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen and officials of French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party on suspicion of embezzlement of European public funds, in Paris on January 15, 2026. The appeal comes after a court last year barred Le Pen from running for office for five years over a European Parliament fake-jobs scam involving her and other officials from her National Rally party. The hearing is expected to run until February 12, 2026, with a decision expected this summer. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen leaves during a break at Paris courthouse before the appeal trial of President of the parliamentary group of the French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen and officials of French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party on suspicion of embezzlement of European public funds, in Paris on January 15, 2026. The appeal comes after a court last year barred Le Pen from running for office for five years over a European Parliament fake-jobs scam involving her and other officials from her National Rally party. The hearing is expected to run until February 12, 2026, with a decision expected this summer. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

French former far-right party Rassemblement National MEP Nicolas Bay leaves during a break at Paris courthouse before the appeal trial of President of the parliamentary group of the French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen and officials of French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party on suspicion of embezzlement of European public funds, in Paris on January 15, 2026. The appeal comes after a court last year barred Le Pen from running for office for five years over a European Parliament fake-jobs scam involving her and other officials from her National Rally party. The hearing is expected to run until February 12, 2026, with a decision expected this summer. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

French former far-right party Rassemblement National MEP Nicolas Bay leaves during a break at Paris courthouse before the appeal trial of President of the parliamentary group of the French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen and officials of French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party on suspicion of embezzlement of European public funds, in Paris on January 15, 2026. The appeal comes after a court last year barred Le Pen from running for office for five years over a European Parliament fake-jobs scam involving her and other officials from her National Rally party. The hearing is expected to run until February 12, 2026, with a decision expected this summer. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen leaves during a break at Paris courthouse before the appeal trial of President of the parliamentary group of the French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen and officials of French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party on suspicion of embezzlement of European public funds, in Paris on January 15, 2026. The appeal comes after a court last year barred Le Pen from running for office for five years over a European Parliament fake-jobs scam involving her and other officials from her National Rally party. The hearing is expected to run until February 12, 2026, with a decision expected this summer. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen leaves during a break at Paris courthouse before the appeal trial of President of the parliamentary group of the French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen and officials of French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party on suspicion of embezzlement of European public funds, in Paris on January 15, 2026. The appeal comes after a court last year barred Le Pen from running for office for five years over a European Parliament fake-jobs scam involving her and other officials from her National Rally party. The hearing is expected to run until February 12, 2026, with a decision expected this summer. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen leaves during a break at Paris courthouse before the appeal trial of President of the parliamentary group of the French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen and officials of French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party on suspicion of embezzlement of European public funds, in Paris on January 15, 2026. The appeal comes after a court last year barred Le Pen from running for office for five years over a European Parliament fake-jobs scam involving her and other officials from her National Rally party. The hearing is expected to run until February 12, 2026, with a decision expected this summer. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen leaves during a break at Paris courthouse before the appeal trial of President of the parliamentary group of the French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen and officials of French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party on suspicion of embezzlement of European public funds, in Paris on January 15, 2026. The appeal comes after a court last year barred Le Pen from running for office for five years over a European Parliament fake-jobs scam involving her and other officials from her National Rally party. The hearing is expected to run until February 12, 2026, with a decision expected this summer. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen leaves during a break at Paris courthouse before the appeal trial of President of the parliamentary group of the French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen and officials of French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party on suspicion of embezzlement of European public funds, in Paris on January 15, 2026. The appeal comes after a court last year barred Le Pen from running for office for five years over a European Parliament fake-jobs scam involving her and other officials from her National Rally party. The hearing is expected to run until February 12, 2026, with a decision expected this summer. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen leaves during a break at Paris courthouse before the appeal trial of President of the parliamentary group of the French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen and officials of French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party on suspicion of embezzlement of European public funds, in Paris on January 15, 2026. The appeal comes after a court last year barred Le Pen from running for office for five years over a European Parliament fake-jobs scam involving her and other officials from her National Rally party. The hearing is expected to run until February 12, 2026, with a decision expected this summer. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen leaves during a break at Paris courthouse before the appeal trial of President of the parliamentary group of the French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen and officials of French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party on suspicion of embezzlement of European public funds, in Paris on January 15, 2026. The appeal comes after a court last year barred Le Pen from running for office for five years over a European Parliament fake-jobs scam involving her and other officials from her National Rally party. The hearing is expected to run until February 12, 2026, with a decision expected this summer. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen leaves during a break at Paris courthouse before the appeal trial of President of the parliamentary group of the French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen and officials of French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party on suspicion of embezzlement of European public funds, in Paris on January 15, 2026. The appeal comes after a court last year barred Le Pen from running for office for five years over a European Parliament fake-jobs scam involving her and other officials from her National Rally party. The hearing is expected to run until February 12, 2026, with a decision expected this summer. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen leaves during a break at Paris courthouse before the appeal trial of President of the parliamentary group of the French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen and officials of French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party on suspicion of embezzlement of European public funds, in Paris on January 15, 2026. The appeal comes after a court last year barred Le Pen from running for office for five years over a European Parliament fake-jobs scam involving her and other officials from her National Rally party. The hearing is expected to run until February 12, 2026, with a decision expected this summer. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen leaves during a break at Paris courthouse before the appeal trial of President of the parliamentary group of the French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen and officials of French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party on suspicion of embezzlement of European public funds, in Paris on January 15, 2026. The appeal comes after a court last year barred Le Pen from running for office for five years over a European Parliament fake-jobs scam involving her and other officials from her National Rally party. The hearing is expected to run until February 12, 2026, with a decision expected this summer. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen leaves during a break at Paris courthouse before the appeal trial of President of the parliamentary group of the French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen and officials of French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party on suspicion of embezzlement of European public funds, in Paris on January 15, 2026. The appeal comes after a court last year barred Le Pen from running for office for five years over a European Parliament fake-jobs scam involving her and other officials from her National Rally party. The hearing is expected to run until February 12, 2026, with a decision expected this summer. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen leaves during a break at Paris courthouse before the appeal trial of President of the parliamentary group of the French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen and officials of French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party on suspicion of embezzlement of European public funds, in Paris on January 15, 2026. The appeal comes after a court last year barred Le Pen from running for office for five years over a European Parliament fake-jobs scam involving her and other officials from her National Rally party. The hearing is expected to run until February 12, 2026, with a decision expected this summer. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen leaves during a break at Paris courthouse before the appeal trial of President of the parliamentary group of the French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen and officials of French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party on suspicion of embezzlement of European public funds, in Paris on January 15, 2026. The appeal comes after a court last year barred Le Pen from running for office for five years over a European Parliament fake-jobs scam involving her and other officials from her National Rally party. The hearing is expected to run until February 12, 2026, with a decision expected this summer. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen leaves during a break at Paris courthouse before the appeal trial of President of the parliamentary group of the French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen and officials of French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party on suspicion of embezzlement of European public funds, in Paris on January 15, 2026. The appeal comes after a court last year barred Le Pen from running for office for five years over a European Parliament fake-jobs scam involving her and other officials from her National Rally party. The hearing is expected to run until February 12, 2026, with a decision expected this summer. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen leaves during a break at Paris courthouse before the appeal trial of President of the parliamentary group of the French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen and officials of French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party on suspicion of embezzlement of European public funds, in Paris on January 15, 2026. The appeal comes after a court last year barred Le Pen from running for office for five years over a European Parliament fake-jobs scam involving her and other officials from her National Rally party. The hearing is expected to run until February 12, 2026, with a decision expected this summer. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen leaves during a break at Paris courthouse before the appeal trial of President of the parliamentary group of the French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen and officials of French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party on suspicion of embezzlement of European public funds, in Paris on January 15, 2026. The appeal comes after a court last year barred Le Pen from running for office for five years over a European Parliament fake-jobs scam involving her and other officials from her National Rally party. The hearing is expected to run until February 12, 2026, with a decision expected this summer. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen leaves during a break at Paris courthouse before the appeal trial of President of the parliamentary group of the French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen and officials of French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party on suspicion of embezzlement of European public funds, in Paris on January 15, 2026. The appeal comes after a court last year barred Le Pen from running for office for five years over a European Parliament fake-jobs scam involving her and other officials from her National Rally party. The hearing is expected to run until February 12, 2026, with a decision expected this summer. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen leaves during a break at Paris courthouse before the appeal trial of President of the parliamentary group of the French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen and officials of French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party on suspicion of embezzlement of European public funds, in Paris on January 15, 2026. The appeal comes after a court last year barred Le Pen from running for office for five years over a European Parliament fake-jobs scam involving her and other officials from her National Rally party. The hearing is expected to run until February 12, 2026, with a decision expected this summer. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen leaves during a break at Paris courthouse before the appeal trial of President of the parliamentary group of the French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen and officials of French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party on suspicion of embezzlement of European public funds, in Paris on January 15, 2026. The appeal comes after a court last year barred Le Pen from running for office for five years over a European Parliament fake-jobs scam involving her and other officials from her National Rally party. The hearing is expected to run until February 12, 2026, with a decision expected this summer. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen leaves during a break at Paris courthouse before the appeal trial of President of the parliamentary group of the French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen and officials of French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party on suspicion of embezzlement of European public funds, in Paris on January 15, 2026. The appeal comes after a court last year barred Le Pen from running for office for five years over a European Parliament fake-jobs scam involving her and other officials from her National Rally party. The hearing is expected to run until February 12, 2026, with a decision expected this summer. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen leaves during a break at Paris courthouse before the appeal trial of President of the parliamentary group of the French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen and officials of French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party on suspicion of embezzlement of European public funds, in Paris on January 15, 2026. The appeal comes after a court last year barred Le Pen from running for office for five years over a European Parliament fake-jobs scam involving her and other officials from her National Rally party. The hearing is expected to run until February 12, 2026, with a decision expected this summer. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Appeal trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Illustration of (cour d'appel premiere chambre ) during a break at Paris courthouse before the appeal trial of President of the parliamentary group of the French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen and officials of French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party on suspicion of embezzlement of European public funds, in Paris on January 15, 2026. The appeal comes after a court last year barred Le Pen from running for office for five years over a European Parliament fake-jobs scam involving her and other officials from her National Rally party. The hearing is expected to run until February 12, 2026, with a decision expected this summer. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM