French Senate approves bill making protesters pay for damage caused during demonstrations

The French Senate passed an expanded bill on Wednesday night that would make participants in certain demonstrations financially liable for damage caused during those gatherings. The vote was 229 to 105, backed by a right-wing and centrist alliance that holds a majority in the upper house.

The legislation, known as the "casseurs-payeurs" bill, was originally drafted during the summer after riots followed Paris Saint-Germain's victory over Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League final in May. It initially contained five articles but was expanded with about twenty additional measures at the initiative of the government and the right-wing senators.

The bill gained added significance after weeks of protests over inequality and soaring prices culminated in major clashes with police and widespread looting across several French cities on October 17. Thousands of businesses were damaged and looted during that unrest.

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez stressed the urgency of responding to the damage and scenes of chaos seen on October 17. He welcomed the adoption of the text after presenting his resignation to President Emmanuel Macron last week.

Human rights groups and lawyers have strongly criticized the measure, warning that it could penalize peaceful protesters and attack the fundamental right to demonstrate. The government defends the bill as a means to compensate victims of looting and vandalism.

Chambers of commerce and industry say more than 2,500 businesses were affected during the recent unrest, with merchants and companies reporting millions of euros in losses. The legislation has now been sent to the National Assembly, which is divided among France's political factions, for debate and voting.