The French Senate has approved a bill that holds rioters financially responsible for damages caused during social unrest, with penalties of up to €10,000 and potential seizure of social benefits. The bill, which aims to address the recent wave of violent protests across France, has sparked concerns from human rights groups that it could infringe on the fundamental right to protest. The legislation was passed with 229 votes in favor and 105 against, with the ruling coalition of right and center parties supporting it.
The bill was drafted in response to riots that followed a soccer match in May and has taken on greater significance after weeks of protests against inequality and rising prices. The protests culminated on October 17, with some of the worst violence France has seen in years, with thousands of businesses damaged and looted across the country. The bill's supporters argue that it is necessary to hold rioters accountable for their actions, while critics claim that it could unfairly target innocent protesters.
Under the legislation, protesters could be ordered to pay up to €10,000 for damages caused during public demonstrations. Critics argue that people who did not participate in vandalism could still be held responsible if they were deemed to have been associated with those who did. The bill introduces joint financial liability for anyone found to have "knowingly participated" in a group formed to commit acts of vandalism.
The bill also allows for the seizure of social benefits and housing assistance to help cover the cost of damages. This provision has been criticized by left-wing parties and advocacy groups, who argue that it could push vulnerable families further into poverty. The Senate has toughened the measure to include other social benefits, such as family allowances and school grants.
Critics of the bill have accused the government of authoritarian tendencies and an attack on the freedom to protest. Communist Senator Fabien Gay denounced the bill as a "legal travesty" that deliberately conflates protesters and rioters. Ecologist Senator Mélanie Vogel accused the government of responding to social demands with "collective punishment."
Supporters of the bill have sought to reassure critics that it will not target peaceful protesters. Olivier Bitz, a center-right lawmaker, said that the bill should not be seen as criminalizing peaceful protesters or bystanders. The government has proposed introducing targeted bans on protests for the most violent individuals.
The bill has been passed to the National Assembly for debate and vote, with far-right leader Marine Le Pen supporting the legislation. Amnesty International has urged the government to abandon the bill, warning that it could have disastrous consequences for vulnerable families. The organization's Nathalie Godard said that the bill would be a "deeply regressive" step if adopted.
Key points
- The French Senate has approved a bill making rioters financially responsible for damages caused during social unrest.
- The bill has sparked concerns from human rights groups that it could infringe on the fundamental right to protest.
- Critics argue that the bill could unfairly target innocent protesters and push vulnerable families further into poverty.
