France toughens penalties for those responsible for disturbances

The French Senate approved a controversial bill aimed at holding groups accountable for vandalism during protests, establishing civil liability without needing to prove individual responsibility. The bill includes measures such as algorithmic surveillance, drone usage for judicial purposes, and increased penalties for offenders. Critics argue the financial limits for damages are insufficient and that the law infringes on the right to protest. The government defends the bill as a necessary response to recent vandalism affecting over 2,500 businesses. The proposal now moves to the National Assembly for further debate amid concerns from human rights organizations.