French Senate Debates Bill Making Protesters Financially Liable For Unrest Damage
Paris, France: France's upper house of parliament began debating a controversial bill on Tuesday that would make protesters financially liable for property damage caused during street demonstrations, despite warnings that the measure threatens the right to protest.
The bill was drafted in response to riots that followed Paris Saint-Germain's victory over Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League final in May.
But it has taken on added significance after weeks of protests over inequality and soaring prices culminated in some of the worst violence France has seen in years on October 17, when thousands of businesses across the country were damaged and looted.
The legislation, due to be voted on later Tuesday or Wednesday, was expected to receive strong backing in the upper house, where a right-wing and centrist alliance holds a majority.
Far-right leader Marine Le Pen, whom opinion polls place as the frontrunner to succeed Emmanuel Macron in next spring's presidential election, supports the legislation.
Speaking in parliament, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez stressed the "urgency" of responding to the damage and scenes of chaos seen on October 17.
"We can no longer allow the vast majority of our fellow citizens to pay for a minority of vandals," he said.
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