The French Senate is due to debate the “vandals pay” law this week.
\n\nFrance’s government is trying to push through a bill that would make protesters pay for property damage at street demonstrations, even if they did not cause it themselves. Trade unions and left-wing politicians say the plan threatens the basic right to protest, while the government calls it essential.
\n\nThe French Senate is due to debate the “vandals pay” law this week. Under the proposal, a person at a protest could be ordered to pay up to €10,000 for damage if they were demonstrating nearby or were part of the same group as those who did it. The bill would also allow police to use drones more widely over protests.
\n\nFrench Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu says the measure is “absolutely essential” after the looting and burning seen at recent demonstrations. It was first drawn up after violent clashes that followed Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League win over Arsenal in May.
\n\nEarlier this month, France had one of its worst days of violence in years, when protests were marred by looting, fires and attacks on state buildings. Authorities have responded with tougher security and limits on protesting.
\n\nIn an open…
Original source: https://www.timesnownews.com/latest-news
