France’s Senate is debating a controversial bill that could force protesters to pay up to 10,000 euros for damage caused during demonstrations, following recent unrest and widespread looting.

The proposed law would extend financial liability to people found to have knowingly participated in groups intending to cause damage. It could also allow welfare benefits and housing assistance to be seized to recover costs.

However, left-wing lawmakers, trade unions and Amnesty International have opposed the bill, warning that it could undermine the right to peaceful protest and disproportionately affect poorer citizens.