PARIS — France's Senate on Wednesday approved a bill that would make protesters financially liable for damage caused during demonstrations, passing an expanded version by 229 votes to 105, Euronews reported. The bill now heads to the politically divided National Assembly for debate and a vote.
Under the legislation, protesters could be ordered to pay up to €10,000 for damage caused during street demonstrations — yaani about US$11,000 per person. The bill introduces joint financial liability for anyone found to have "knowingly participated" in a group formed with the intent of carrying out vandalism, and France 24 reporting cited by other outlets said it would also cover people who voluntarily stayed in a gathering likely to disrupt public order after two police dispersal warnings.
The expanded bill would also allow welfare benefits, housing assistance and family allowances to be seized to recover damages owed. Speaking in parliament, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez stressed the "urgency" of responding to the damage seen on October 17, saying: "We can no longer allow the vast majority of our fellow citizens to pay for a minority of vandals."
From football riots to the October unrest
The bill was first drafted after riots followed Paris Saint-Germain's victory over Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League final in May. It gained new significance after weeks of protests over inequality and rising prices culminated on October 17 in some of the worst street violence France has seen in years, when thousands of businesses were damaged and looted. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen, whom opinion polls place as frontrunner for next spring's presidential election, supports the legislation, according to the reports.
Critics warn that people who took no part in vandalism could still be held liable if they were deemed associated with those responsible, and say the measure could curb the right to protest. Amnesty International warned the benefit-seizure provisions could push "already marginalised families further into poverty". The Senate also approved an amendment allowing authorities to seek rapid removal of online content calling for serious public disorder, according to Cumhuriyet Daily's report of the vote.