France, April 2 -- French judges who convicted far-right leader Marine Le Pen of embezzlement have received death threats since the verdict was handed down, prompting police to launch a new investigation, judicial sources said.

The threats are so severe that the lead judge, Benedicte de Perthuis, was placed under police protection shortly after Monday's ruling.

President Emmanuel Macron broke his silence on Wednesday, telling his cabinet that France's judiciary "is independent" and "magistrates must be protected," government spokesperson Sophie Primas said.

Le Pen was sentenced to four years in prison, including two years under electronic surveillance and two years suspended, and banned from holding public office for five years with im...