The upper house of the French parliament has passed a bill under which protest participants would bear financial responsibility for damage caused during public demonstrations, France24 reports.
Critics warn that this could restrict the right to protest.
The bill was drafted in response to riots that broke out after Paris Saint-Germain’s victory over Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League final in May.
However, the initiative took on added significance after weeks of protests against inequality and the sharp rise in prices on 17 October spilled over into some of the most violent riots France has seen in recent years. Thousands of businesses across the country were damaged and looted.
Under the bill, protest participants could be required to pay up to €10,000 for damage caused during public demonstrations.
However, critics argue that even those who did not take part in vandalism could be held liable if they are deemed to have been connected to the individuals responsible for those acts.
The bill introduces joint and several financial liability for anyone found to have “knowingly participated” in a group formed with the aim of committing acts of vandalism.
The Senate passed an expanded version of the bill by 229 votes to 105, backed by the right-wing and centrist alliance that holds a majority.
The document has been sent to the National Assembly for debate and a vote.
Far-right leader Marine Le Pen — whom opinion polls describe as the favourite to succeed Emmanuel Macron in next spring’s presidential election — supports the bill.
Speaking in parliament, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez stressed the urgency of responding to the destruction and chaos during the October protests in the country.