French legislators likely to pass spy law

French legislators were scheduled to approve a new law on Tuesday that grants the state sweeping powers to spy on its citizens, despite criticism from rights groups that the bill is vague and intrusive.

The law is one of several government reforms in the wake of a jihadist killing spree in January that left 17 dead and saw the capital gripped with fear for three days.

France is still on high alert as it has received repeated threats from extremist groups abroad and was reminded of the peril of homegrown extremism when police thwarted a planned attack on a church two weeks ago. The bill enjoys support from both main parties and is almost certain to be adopted when the lawmakers vote on Tuesday, despite opposition.