France moves to make protesters pay for riot damage with fines of up to Sh1.45 million

France moves to make protesters pay for riot damage with fines of up to Sh1.45 million - France’s Senate has approved a bill that could impose fines of up to Sh1.45 million on protesters held responsible for damage during violent demonstrations. (Photo: Sylvain Thomas/AFP via DW)

The proposed law would allow authorities to impose fines of up to Sh1.45 million, seize welfare benefits and recover costs from people held responsible for damage during violent demonstrations.

France’s Senate has approved a bill that could make protesters financially liable for damage caused during demonstrations, with fines of up to €10,000 (about Sh1.45 million), as the government moves to tighten its response to violent unrest.

The legislation was initially drafted following riots that erupted after Paris Saint-Germain defeated Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League final in May. It has since gained renewed attention following protests over inequality and rising living costs that turned violent on October 17, leaving thousands of businesses damaged or looted.

According to Euronews, the Senate approved an expanded version of the bill by 229 votes to 105 on Wednesday, October 28, with support from a right-wing and centrist alliance.

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The proposed law would allow authorities to seek compensation from people held responsible for damage caused during demonstrations.

However, critics warn that even individuals who did not personally destroy property could face financial liability if they knowingly took part in a group formed to commit vandalism.

The legislation would also allow authorities to seize welfare benefits and housing assistance to cover the cost of damages, a provision that has drawn criticism from left-wing lawmakers and human rights organisations.

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Amnesty International has warned that the measures could push already marginalised families further into poverty.

Speaking in parliament, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said the government needed to respond urgently to the destruction witnessed during recent unrest.

“We can no longer allow the vast majority of our fellow citizens to pay for a minority of vandals,” he said.

The bill now moves to France’s politically divided National Assembly, where lawmakers will debate and vote on the proposal. It must secure approval at this stage before it can become law.

The proposal comes amid wider efforts across Europe to introduce tougher measures against violent demonstrations.

In Italy, a new security decree has introduced stricter penalties for violent protests, including prison sentences of four to 12 years for organising groups involved in violent demonstrations.