French Senate passes bill to make protesters pay for unrest damage

France’s Senate passed a bill by 229 votes to 105 that could make protesters pay up to 10,000 euros for damage linked to demonstrations. Drafted after riots following Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League final victory, the measure gained added significance after violence on October 17 damaged and looted thousands of businesses. It provides for joint financial liability in certain cases and could allow social benefits, including housing assistance and family allowances, to be seized. Left-wing lawmakers say it threatens the right to protest; the bill now goes to the National Assembly.