The French Senate approved a bill allowing participants in protests to be required to pay damages of up to 10,000 euros for destruction

On Wednesday, the French Senate approved, by 229 votes to 105, a bill allowing riot participants to be ordered to pay compensation of up to €10,000 for the damage caused. The text will be sent to the National Assembly, where its adoption is uncertain because of the lack of a parliamentary majority.

The bill targets not only people who directly cause damage, but also those who deliberately participate in organized groups involved in acts of vandalism or disturbances of public order. For those unable to pay the compensation, authorities could garnish family allowances, housing benefits, the guaranteed minimum income and other social benefits.

The initiative was drafted after the riots in May, which broke out following Paris Saint-Germain’s victory in the Champions League, and was accelerated after the violence and looting on October 17, the first day of protests against the rising cost of living. Senators also introduced administrative bans on demonstrations, harsher penalties, restrictions targeting some foreign nationals and expanded video surveillance.

Trade unions, student organizations and Amnesty International warn that the measures could limit the right to protest and disproportionately affect vulnerable families. A new mobilization is planned for Saturday, while a general strike is scheduled for November 5.