Le Pen's first trial of 'the embezzlement of European Parliament funds'...denial of the allegations

Marine Le Pen, leader of France's far-right National Union, has denied the allegations in her first trial of alleged embezzlement of European Parliament funds.

Appearing in a Paris court on the 30th local time, Le Pen said he had not violated European Parliament rules and would make it clear at trial.Twenty-seven senior members of the People's Union, including

Le Pen, are accused of spending money on party officials due to be paid to European Parliament aides from 2004 to 2016.

If found guilty, Le Pen could face up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to 1 million euros and a suspension of his qualification, in which case he may not be able to run for the next presidential election.

Earlier, the People's Union returned €1 million to the European Parliament, but insisted it did not mean it would admit the charges.

The People's Union is also under preliminary investigation by Paris prosecutors regarding the fund for the 2022 presidential election.