The May Day scandal was an embarrassment for Macron, who is expected to run for re-election next year.
The court said that Alexandre Benella, who was found guilty of illegally using a diplomatic passport and illegally possessing a weapon, acted in a “spirit of impunity and omnipotence”, a reporter for FranceInfo present at the courthouse said. he said. said on Twitter.
The court sentence was even tougher than the 18-month suspended period sought by prosecutors.
Media, including BFM TV, said Benala would serve a one-year sentence at home with an electronic bracelet.
Macron and his Elysee Palace team were sharply criticized in 2018 for not immediately sacking Benalla, who was fired six weeks later when a video of the incident surfaced.
The video showed Benala scuffles with protesters during a police-led mob control operation. Allowed as an observer, he participated in the operation wearing police-marked clothes. He has said that he just wanted to help the police and did not do anything illegal.
What is widely known as the “Benalla Case” raised questions about Macron’s highly centralized governance style and the broad powers granted to the president under the Fifth Republic of France. Macron denied the allegations, saying Elysee did not try to save Benalla.
It was not clear whether the decision could have any bearing on Macron’s re-election prospects in April. Opinion polls currently see him as the likely winner and early campaigns have focused on immigration and purchasing power, among other issues.
Benalla, 30, told a Senate committee he thought he was allowed to use a diplomatic passport, but made a mistake.
“I am not a thug,” he told a Senate inquiry in September 2018.
The court also fined Benalla 500 euros ($575).
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