PARIS: France’s Senate has approved legislation that would make protesters financially liable for damage caused during demonstrations, prompting warnings from opposition lawmakers and rights groups that the measures could undermine freedom of assembly.
The bill passed by 229 votes to 105 yesterday, backed by a right-wing and centrist majority. It will now be debated and voted on by the National Assembly, where political divisions could complicate its passage.
Originally drafted following riots after Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League final victory over Arsenal in May, the legislation has gained urgency after nationwide protests over inequality and rising living costs culminated in serious violence on October 17, leaving thousands of businesses damaged and looted.
Under the proposed law, protesters could face fines of up to €10,000 for damage.
It introduces joint financial liability for people found to have knowingly participated in groups formed to commit vandalism. Liability could also extend to those who remain at gatherings likely to disrupt public order after two police warnings to disperse.
The legislation would allow authorities to seize welfare payments and housing assistance to cover compensation. Senators expanded the measure to include family supplements, back-to-school allowances and employment bonuses.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez defended the bill, saying the majority of citizens should not have to bear the financial burden of a minority involved in vandalism.
Far-right leader Marine Le Pen, who leads opinion polls ahead of next spring’s presidential election, supports the legislation.
However, left-wing lawmakers accused the government of authoritarianism.
Communist senator Fabien Gay said the measure wrongly conflated protesters with rioters, while Green senator Melanie Vogel described it as collective punishment.
Civil liberties groups also raised concerns. Amnesty International warned that seizing benefits could push vulnerable families deeper into poverty, while trade unions and student organisations said the proposals risked restricting peaceful demonstrations and encouraging arbitrary police action.
The Senate also approved separate legislation requiring social media platforms to remove content calling for insurrection or armed action against the state within 24 hours, or face possible blocking or delisting.
Nunez said the measure was intended to address online calls for insurrection ahead of planned demonstrations. Critics argue that the combined proposals could further restrict protest rights as France grapples with mounting social unrest. – AFP
