Macron government fast-tracks bill making protesters pay for vandalism

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 27 Oct, 18:44 · Archive

France's government is pushing through a law that would hold protesters liable for vandalism damage even if they did not directly cause it.

France's government is fast-tracking a bill to make protesters liable for damage caused by vandalism at street demonstrations, even if they did not directly cause it themselves. Individuals could face liability for up to €10,000 if they were protesting nearby or as part of the same group as perpetrators. The bill also provides for greater use of drones over protests.

The measure comes after France experienced significant unrest during recent demonstrations. President Emmanuel Macron's government says the law is needed to compensate victims of vandalism that often accompanies protests, citing looting and rioting seen across the country on 17 October. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said the bill was 'absolutely essential' after the violence.

Trade unions, rights groups and lawyers have opposed the legislation, arguing it attacks the fundamental democratic right to protest. Hanna Bouchareb, a Paris-based lawyer who represented some accused in fast-track trials following the October violence, said the bill is 'very problematic because it undermines the right to protest'. Critics argue the wording means legitimate protesters positioned close to any violence could be deemed legally responsible for it and face prosecution.

The senate is debating the bill this week. The protests themselves have been driven by demonstrations over poor conditions in French schools, teacher absences, building repairs and the high cost of living.

How it is being reported

• Rights groups say proposed French law to make rioters pay for damage is anti-democraticCritics have said that a proposed French law that would make rioters liable to pay thousands of euros for any damage they cause is anti-democratic, as it could undermine the legitimate right to protest. The government put forward the law in a bid to quell looting and vandalism on the fringes of ongoing national protests over poor conditions in French schools and the high cost of living.France 24 · 27 Oct, 18:27
• Macron’s ‘vandals pay’ bill puts right to protest at riskMaking innocent protesters liable for damage would be bad for rule of law and play into far-right hands, say opponents Emmanuel Macron has been accused by trade unions of trying to curb the fundamental French right to protest as the government fast-tracks a bill to make protesters pay for damage caused by vandalism at street demonstrations even if they did not directly cause it themselves. The French president, who leaves office next spring, has faced more than a month of protests in which high-school students have blockaded schools demanding a response to teacher absences, repairs to…The Guardian · 25 Oct, 19:57

In this story: Emmanuel Macron · Sébastien Lecornu · France · Paris Saint-Germain

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