From EUobserver · · 1m
France's protest bill sparks EU rights concerns
France's new protest law risks eroding protest rights across Europe.
In brief
France's new protest law risks eroding protest rights across Europe. France's Senate passed a bill that could restrict protest rights, with similar restrictions emerging in eight EU countries. Originally reported by EUobserver.
France Senate passes protest bill
The French Senate adopted a draft bill that could severely restrict protest rights, with far-right Rassemblement National support.
Bill targets protesters and bystanders
The bill fines up to €10,000 for those present near protests after police orders, even without criminal offenses.
Six-month prison sentence for unauthorized protests
Participants in unauthorised demonstrations face six-month prison sentences under the proposed law.
Social housing evictions proposed
The Senate proposed evicting offenders from social housing after identifying them as protesters.
Amnesty report finds eight countries restrict protests
Amnesty International reports eight EU countries introduced protest restrictions in 2024, including France, Belgium, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain and the UK.
Protesters face systemic discrimination
People of colour face discrimination in seven countries, climate activists targeted in nearly all covered nations.
The one thing
France's Senate passed a bill that could restrict protest rights, with similar restrictions emerging in eight EU countries.