French far right leader Marine Le Pen on trial over Muslim prayer comments
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}French far-right leader Marine Le Pen is standing trial over comments she made five years ago comparing Muslim street prayers to a foreign occupation.
Le Pen, whose National Front party is known for its anti-immigration and anti-Islam views, is to be judged Tuesday on charges of inciting racial hatred in Lyon, where she'll face four anti-racism and human rights organizations.
Her popularity on the rise in France, Le Pen faces up to a year in prison and a fine of 45,000 euros ($51,000). Despite the potential jail term, political experts say she could emerge from the trial even stronger among many National Front voters.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Le Pen has also been trying in recent years to raise her standing among those on the left, with opposition to Europe's economic policy.