French Senate approves bill that toughens penalties for those responsible for disturbances

The French Senate approved a law tightening penalties for vandalism during protests, introducing civil liability for group members involved in such acts. The law allows for financial penalties up to €10,000 and includes measures like drone usage for judicial purposes and enhanced surveillance. Critics argue the financial limits are insufficient and raise constitutional concerns. The government aims to block digital platforms that fail to remove inciting content promptly. The law has faced strong opposition from the left and organizations like Amnesty International, which claim it threatens the right to protest. The bill now moves to the National Assembly for further debate.