A controversial new bill in France would hold all protesters financially responsible for damages during demonstrations, even if they did not personally cause them, sparking criticism from labor unions and legal experts. Opponents argue the measure undermines the right to protest and risks being exploited by far-right groups, raising concerns about its broader implications for civil liberties. The proposal comes amid ongoing nationwide demonstrations, including student-led strikes over education issues like teacher shortages and infrastructure problems. Supporters of the bill claim it is necessary to deter vandalism, but critics warn it could set a dangerous precedent for future protests.
Making innocent protesters liable for damage would be bad for rule of law and play into far-right hands, say opponentsEmmanuel 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 decrepit buildings and changes to the university applications platform. Continue reading...
