France's Constitutional Council on Thursday struck down a measure that would have let authorities ban certain individuals from protesting, a key element of the government's plan to crack down on violence at "yellow vest" demonstrations, reports FRANCE 24.
The council, which rules on the validity of laws, said the proposal gave officials "excessive latitude" to justify the individual bans against people suspected of being "a particularly serious threat to law and order."
The move was inspired by anti-hooligan measures that keep out known troublemakers from football stadiums, but critics said it arbitrarily infringed on a person's right to freedom of speech and assembly.
But the council upheld other measures of the law passed on March 12, such as more severe penalties for organisers of unauthorised demonstrations, and for people who cover their faces during violent protests.
Demonstrators who defy protest bans will now face up to six months in prison and fines of up to 7,500 euros ($8,400), while those masking their faces could be fined up to 15,000 euros.