French Senate backs 'make rioters pay' bill despite rights concerns
The French Senate has approved a bill that would hold protesters financially liable for damage caused during social unrest, with penalties of up to €10,000 and possible welfare benefit cuts. The bill has drawn criticism from rights groups and some lawmakers, who argue it could undermine the right to protest. The move comes amid concerns about violent protests and riots in France.
Listen to Live Briefing
Real-time synthesized voice briefing · Live Feeds Desk
- ✓ The French Senate approved a bill that would hold protesters liable for up to €10,000 in damages.
- ✓ The bill also allows for possible welfare benefit cuts for those who participate in riots.
- ✓ Critics argue that the bill could undermine the right to protest.
What changed
The French Senate approved the bill on Wednesday, moving it closer to becoming law.
Live updates
-
French Senate backs 'make rioters pay' bill despite rights concerns
The French Senate has approved a bill that would hold protesters financially liable for damage caused during social unrest, with penalties of up to €10,000 and possible welfare benefit cuts. The bill has drawn criticism from rights groups and some lawmakers, who argue it could undermine the right to protest. The move comes amid concerns about violent protests and riots in France.
Why it matters
The bill is part of a broader effort by the French government to crack down on violent protests and riots, which have become increasingly common in recent years. The government has argued that the bill is necessary to protect public property and safety. However, critics argue that it could have a chilling effect on free speech and the right to protest.
What is confirmed
- The French Senate approved a bill that would hold protesters liable for up to €10,000 in damages.
- The bill also allows for possible welfare benefit cuts for those who participate in riots.
- Critics argue that the bill could undermine the right to protest.
Still unconfirmed
- The bill could lead to fines of up to $11,000 for protesters.
What to watch next
- The bill's passage in the National Assembly
- Expected protests and unrest in France this weekend
- The government's response to criticism from rights groups
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (22)
- english.aawsat.com — Latest World News
- www.france24.com — France 24 - International breaking news, top stories and...
- www.amnesty.org — Amnesty International
- slownews.kr — Slow Letter: October 12, 2026.
- www.rfi.fr — Houthi war risks dragging Israel and Turkey into Horn of Africa standoff - International report - RFI
- The Guardian — Macron’s ‘vandals pay’ bill puts right to protest at risk
- www.newsbreak.com — Cathie Wood Predicts Oil Crashing to $30-$35 a Barrel as EVs Take Over Transportation: Says Demand Is 'Peaking’
- www.cnbc.com — Oil today: Iran, US, crude, wti, brent, trump
- France 24 — French Senate backs 'make rioters pay' bill despite rights concerns
- Reuters — Critics attack 'anti-democratic' French bill making rioters pay
- Euronews.com — French Senate approves bill to hold protesters liable for damage
- Courthouse News — France passes controversial 'Rioters Pay' bill while students push for reforms
Community Sentiment: How do you assess this situation?
Voice your perspective · Real-time aggregated sentiment from the Live Feeds community