France’s Senate approved a bill on Wednesday that would make protesters financially responsible for damage caused during demonstrations.
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The Senate passed an expanded version of the bill by 229 votes to 105, backed by a right-wing and centrist alliance which holds a majority.
The legislation now heads to the politically divided National Assembly for debate and a vote.
The bill was introduced following riots that broke out after Paris Saint-Germain defeated Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League final in May.
It has since gained new significance after protests over inequality and rising prices turned violent on 17 October, leaving thousands of businesses damaged or looted.
Speaking in parliament, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez stressed the “urgency” of responding to the damage and scenes of chaos seen on 17 October.
“We can no longer allow the vast majority of our fellow citizens to pay for a minority of vandals,” he said.
Critics warn of financial impact on vulnerable families
Critics warn that people who did not personally cause damage could still be held financially responsible if they were found to have knowingly participated in a group formed to commit vandalism.
The bill would also allow welfare benefits and housing assistance to be seized to cover damages, drawing criticism from left-wing lawmakers and human rights groups.
Amnesty International warned that the measures could push “already marginalised families further into poverty”.
This is not the first time a European government has implemented tougher security measures in response to violent protests.
In Italy a new security decree introduces tougher penalties for violent protests, including prison sentences of four to 12 years for organising groups involved in violent demonstrations.
Additional sources • AFP
