The relationship between the judiciary and public opinion has always been a complex one. But the rise of social networks and news channels is putting the independence of judges to the test under new pressures, argues Sahand Saber, a lawyer at the Paris Bar.

The ruling by the Paris Court of Appeal condemning the Balkany couple has once again raised the question of their imprisonment. On social networks, a number of Internet users are expressing their incomprehension at the judges’ decision not to issue a committal order against them, despite the two sentences they now carry (for tax fraud and tax fraud laundering): three years and four years for Isabelle Balkany, three years and five years for Patrick Balkany.

To read the the full article on the L’Obs website, click here : TRIBUNE. The Balkany and Fillon affairs… Judicial independence under pressure from public opinion