French Senate backs bill making protesters pay up to €10,000 for unrest damage

France's Senate approved a bill on Wednesday that would make protesters financially responsible for damage caused during demonstrations. The Senate passed an expanded version of the bill by 229 votes to 105, backed by a right-wing and centrist alliance which holds a majority. The legislation now heads to the politically divided National Assembly for debate and a vote. Speaking in Parliament, Interior Minister Laurent Nunès stressed the urgency of responding to the damage and scenes of chaos seen on October 17, saying that the vast majority should not be paying for the vandalism done by a minority, but rights groups warn the legislation could undermine the public's fundamental right to protest. The bill would also apply to those who voluntarily continued to take part in a gathering likely to disrupt public order after two police dispersal warnings. With penalties of up to €10,000 and possible welfare benefit seizures, left-wing lawmakers and human rights groups warn that the measures could push already marginalised families further into poverty.