The proposed statute would allow courts to levy fines up to 10,000 euros ($11,140) on participants who refuse police dispersal orders or knowingly join violent groups, even if they did not directly cause damage. Economy Minister Roland Lescure reported that recent clashes, looting, and rioting have already caused tens to hundreds of millions of euros in destruction across France. Human rights advocates, including Amnesty International France, strongly oppose the measure on grounds that it enables arbitrary punishment and suppresses peaceful assembly. The legislation now moves to the National Assembly for consideration before it can become law.
Key points
Protesters could be held financially liable for destruction they did not directly commit…: Protesters could be held financially liable for destruction they did not directly commit if they fail to leave violent gatherings.
The legislation must secure approval in France's National Assembly before it can take eff…: The legislation must secure approval in France's National Assembly before it can take effect as law.
Rights organizations warn that enforcing collective financial penalties threatens fundame…: Rights organizations warn that enforcing collective financial penalties threatens fundamental rights to free expression and peaceful protest.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
France's Senate has passed a bill that would hold rioters financially accountable for damages, as the country grapples with public unrest.
Under the so-called "Rioters Pay" bill, protesters could be ordered to pay up to 10,000 euros ($11,140) "for the compensation of damages resulting from crimes and offenses committed by force or violence." Welfare payments could also be seized to cover costs.
France's government is grappling with nationwide violent protests while trying to slash bloated state spending. The protests, which began as a student movement, have broadened into wider public unrest, with demonstrators' demands ranging from greater investment in education to help with the cost of living.
The unrest hit boiling point earlier this month, when protests descended into rioting, looting and violent clashes with police. Further demonstrations are expected this weekend.
On Oct. 21, French Economy Minister Roland Lescure said in an interview that the violence and unrest had caused "tens or perhaps hundreds of millions" of euros worth of damage.
Senators approved the "Rioters Pay" bill on Wednesday, with 229 lawmakers voting for and 105 voting against.
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