French Senate debates new 'rioters pay' bill

French senators debated a bill on Tuesday that would hold demonstrators financially liable for damages caused during street protests. The proposed legislation introduces the concept of collective civil liability, which would require not only perpetrators but also members of the same group to pay for damages. This comes as thousands of businesses across the country deal with the fallout from recent unrest, including looting and damage following May riots and violence on October 17 related to inequality and living costs.

The bill is expected to receive substantial support during a vote scheduled for later Tuesday, as a right-wing and centrist alliance holds a majority in the upper chamber. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen has expressed support for the law, while Interior Minister Laurent Nunez told parliament that responding to the destruction is an urgent matter.

Opponents of the measures have expressed concern that imposing financial penalties could undermine the right to peaceful assembly. France 24 reports that lawmakers are divided, with critics suggesting the bill could violate democratic rights to protest by discouraging people from participating in demonstrations.

Brief written by urgent.news from France 24, Daily Post Nigeria — 2 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.