France protest bill could make protesters pay €10,000

The French Senate on Tuesday debated a bill that could make protesters pay up to 10,000 euros for damage caused during street demonstrations, despite warnings that it could curb the right to protest.

The bill was drafted after riots that followed Paris Saint-Germain's victory over Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League final in May. It has gained added significance after weeks of protests over inequality and soaring prices culminated in violence on October 17, when thousands of businesses across France were damaged and looted.

The legislation was due to be voted on later Tuesday and was expected to receive strong backing in the upper house, where a right-wing and centrist alliance holds a majority. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen supports the bill.

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez told parliament there was an “urgency” to respond to the damage and disorder seen on October 17. He said the public should not have to pay for a minority of vandals.

The bill would introduce joint financial liability for anyone found to have “knowingly participated” in a group formed with the intent of carrying out acts of vandalism. It would also apply to people who “voluntarily” continued to take part in a gathering likely to disrupt public order after two police dispersal warnings.

Welfare benefits and housing assistance could also be seized to help cover damages, a provision criticised by left-wing parties and advocacy groups.

Left-wing lawmakers accused the government of an “authoritarian drift” at the expense of the freedom to demonstrate. Communist senator Fabien Gay called the bill a “legal travesty” that conflates protesters and rioters. Two left-wing motions to reject the bill outright were defeated.

A coalition of trade unions and student groups warned in a letter published in Le Monde last week that the proposal would seriously infringe on the freedom to demonstrate, disproportionately affect poorer families and encourage arbitrary police action. Amnesty International has urged the government to abandon the proposal.