Amnesty International opposes new French law

Amnesty International is calling on the French government to withdraw a proposed law called casseurs-payeurs, which it says could harm the right to protest and might break international human rights rules.

Amnesty warns of financial penalties for demonstrators

In a statement, Nathalie Godard from Amnesty International France said the law would threaten the right to demonstrate by possibly imposing financial penalties on people who take part in protests, even if they didn’t commit any wrongdoing.

French government defends the proposed law

The bill, described as "absolutely essential" by Sébastien Lecornu, will be debated in the Senate starting Tuesday. It comes after protests on October 17 led to damage in several French cities. The law would make members of a group liable for damage caused during a demonstration, without requiring proof that they personally committed the act.

Liability capped at 10,000 euros per person

Under the bill, individuals could be held responsible for up to 10,000 euros in damages, which would be paid to victims, insurance companies, or even the state if it turns against the person. The liability would apply only under certain conditions.

Amnesty fears chilling effect on protests

Amnesty International is concerned that the law could discourage people from participating in demonstrations due to the fear of financial consequences. They argue that international law requires individuals to be held responsible only for their own actions, not those of others in a group.

Bill faces opposition from left-wing groups

The proposed law has drawn strong criticism from the left, even though it is supported by the right, which holds the majority in the Senate.