France halts use of stun grenades after boy's hand blown off in student protests

France has suspended the use of stun grenades for policing student protests following an incident where a 15-year-old's hand was severely injured. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez ordered the pause until the facts surrounding the event in Lens are clarified, as accounts from protesters and officials differ. This decision comes amid complaints from several groups about disproportionate police force used against teenagers. The protests, which have seen hundreds of thousands take to the streets and over 500 schools affected by closures or vandalism, are also prompting a national address from the Prime Minister. The police watchdog has opened 18 investigations into officers' conduct during the demonstrations.

France has temporarily banned police from using stun grenades at student protests following accusations of brutality. The announcement came after hundreds of thousands of students marched nationwide demanding more education funding and better conditions. A 15-year-old lost a hand and a 14-year-old student lost teeth in separate incidents involving police projectiles. The Interior Minister stated he suspended the use of stun grenades, and 18 internal investigations into alleged police misconduct are underway. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu is scheduled to address the protests and the country's finances. The government claims the protests have been infiltrated by outsiders, leading to urban violence, with over 6,100 arrests, mostly minors, since the demonstrations began last month.

France's interior minister has temporarily suspended the use of police stun grenades at high-school demonstrations following an incident where a 15-year-old protester lost a hand. The suspension is in effect "until we know exactly what happened," according to the minister. The protests, which have involved hundreds of injured students and staff, are over issues like teacher shortages and dilapidated school buildings. While authorities are investigating the circumstances of the hand injury, the boy's mother stated he did not attempt to pick up the grenade. The minister also confirmed 18 internal police investigations into allegations of brutality during the protests, including incidents where students lost teeth or an eye.

Across France, an estimated 250,000 students, teachers, and parents protested school conditions, demanding more resources, teachers, and better facilities. The demonstrations began with high school blockades in September, fueled by issues like dilapidated buildings and overcrowded classrooms. Protesters, including many under 18, faced a significant police response, resulting in arrests and injuries on both sides. While the government offered a reform plan, students deemed it insufficient. Protesters expressed feelings of being unheard and undervalued, with some vowing to continue their actions, potentially escalating to larger, broader demonstrations. Teachers also joined, supporting demands for improved teaching conditions and resources, citing examples like inadequate responses to heatwaves.

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu defended police actions during student protests, stating that "accidents happen" after two teenagers were severely injured. One student lost a hand in a police grenade incident, and another lost sight in one eye from a projectile. Lecornu argued that police actions were triggered by urban violence and vandalism, not brutality, and that officers acted within their authority. The protests, demanding better education funding and conditions, have led to over 6,500 arrests, with many minors among those detained. The government faces pressure as hundreds of students and staff, alongside police officers, have been injured. Opposition parties accuse the government of exploiting the situation, while some lawmakers plan to introduce legislation restricting riot-control weapon use.

Tens of thousands of students and activists are protesting across France, demanding improvements to the education system. The demonstrations, which began two weeks ago in Paris's suburbs, have spread nationwide and involve blockades of high schools. Clashes have erupted in cities like Strasbourg, Lyon, and Rennes, with police using tear gas and protesters lighting fires and throwing projectiles. A 15-year-old reportedly lost a hand during recent clashes in northern France. Students express frustration over perceived government inaction and a disconnect between elites and the general population. The government has deployed riot police to some rallies, characterizing the movement as urban violence.

Hundreds of thousands across France, primarily high school students, protested for increased school resources and an end to police repression. The demonstrations, dubbed "Act Three" by organizers, spread to include parents, university students, and unions. Clashes occurred in several cities, with police deploying tear gas in Paris and Marseille, and water cannon in Rennes. The government reported significant disruption in nearly a quarter of high schools, with over 250,000 demonstrators participating, though unions claimed a higher turnout of 450,000. Since the protests began, hundreds of students, staff, and police officers have sustained injuries.

On Tuesday, students, teachers, and parents participated in widespread protests across France, marking the largest day of action in ongoing demonstrations. Protesters blockaded hundreds of schools and marched in cities including Marseille, Nantes, and Lyon. The demonstrations are a demand for the government to address issues of understaffed and dilapidated classrooms. The protests began peacefully in the mid-morning, with a major demonstration anticipated in Paris later in the afternoon. Participants carried placards and used smoke flares to express their discontent.

Hundreds of thousands of students across France have taken to the streets demanding education reform, leading to widespread school closures and violent clashes with police. Since September, over 6,100 people have been arrested, and hundreds of police officers and teenagers have been injured. Protesters cite issues like rundown facilities, staff shortages, and long school days. The unrest has become a significant issue in the upcoming presidential election, with some political figures accused of inciting violence. President Macron is scheduled to meet with ministers to discuss the situation, while authorities have defended their policing methods as proportionate.

Hundreds of French teenagers have initiated widespread protests, barricading schools and demonstrating across the country. The protests, which began in low-income suburbs, are driven by demands for increased school funding and greater equality, alongside strong opposition to alleged police brutality. Human rights groups accuse riot police of using disproportionate force against students, with investigations underway into injuries, including severe ones like the loss of an eye or hand. The justice ministry reports thousands of arrests, predominantly minors, and numerous prosecutions. Students express frustration with educational disparities and the government's response, while solidarity marches are planned nationwide.

Hundreds of French schools remain closed as teenagers protest against dilapidated and understaffed educational facilities. In Lens, a 15-year-old protesting these conditions lost his hand after reportedly picking up a police stun grenade. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has acknowledged the students' grievances as legitimate and ordered ministers to address five key demands, including replacing absent teachers and repairing school buildings, with proposals due by month's end. Student unions and trade unions are planning further national protests, with thousands expected to join marches. The protests, which began over teacher shortages, have spread nationwide, leading to thousands of arrests and dozens of injuries, including a 16-year-old who lost sight in one eye.

France is anticipating a nationwide day of protests on Tuesday, organized in solidarity with students demanding increased investment in education. This follows a week of demonstrations where hundreds of schools were blockaded, resulting in at least 190 student injuries and over 5,000 arrests. One student sustained a severe hand injury, and another was reportedly hit by a tear gas grenade. While the prime minister stated the government has introduced measures to address student concerns, protest organizers like the Union Syndicale Lycéenne (USL) claim the government has offered no concrete solutions and decry the "unprecedented repression." Teachers' unions and political parties, including La France Insoumise, have expressed support for the student movement, which began in September and has spread across the country due to issues like overcrowding and teacher shortages.

Hundreds of high schools across France are closed as student protests continue over issues like teacher shortages and rundown facilities. Education Minister Edouard Geffray stated that approximately 500 schools were likely to be fully or partially closed on Monday. The protests, which began late last month, have led to damage at 24 schools and injuries to 78 staff members. Students are demanding their concerns be heard by the government and expressing solidarity with students in less privileged areas. Government spokesperson Maud Bregeon indicated that restoring order is the priority.

During ongoing French student protests against poor school conditions and teacher shortages, a 15-year-old boy lost his hand and part of his lower arm in Lens after picking up a police dispersal grenade that detonated. The protests, now in their third week, have involved clashes with police, with some schools being ransacked. Over 5,000 people have been arrested since the demonstrations began, the majority of whom are minors. Education Minister Edouard Geffray stated the protests have been declining and the government plans to launch a platform for student feedback. The incident occurred ahead of a national demonstration by the pupils' union.

A 15-year-old boy lost his hand during a confrontation between police and demonstrators near a school in Lens, France, on Monday morning. The prefect of Pas-de-Calais stated the teenager's life is not in danger and he was quickly hospitalized. The incident occurred amidst ongoing student protests across France concerning school building conditions and staffing, which have led to clashes with police. While regional media reports suggest the boy may have lost his hand after picking up a police stun grenade, the exact circumstances are still being clarified. Approximately 500 schools nationwide experienced partial or total closures due to the protests.

Thousands of French students have been protesting across the country for over a week, disrupting over 700 schools. Demonstrations, which began in Paris and spread to cities like Montpellier, Nantes, and Marseille, are driven by concerns over a lack of teachers, overcrowded classrooms, and dilapidated school buildings, exacerbated by planned budget cuts to education funding. Clashes between riot police and protesters have occurred, with incidents of projectiles being thrown, tear gas deployment, and arrests. A 17-year-old was arrested on suspicion of attempted homicide after a police officer was attacked in Belfort. The education ministry reported at least 65 staff members injured and significant damage to school facilities, including over €2 million in damage to one high school. The justice minister stated that prosecutors are considering holding parents liable for damages caused by their children.

On Friday, 400 French schools were closed due to escalating tensions that have resulted in "urban violence." Since the start of these tensions, dozens of schools have been damaged and nearly 3,000 teenagers have been detained. The situation is reportedly worsening in Strasbourg, where protesters have erected a barrier and engaged in clashes with local police. Additional incidents have occurred in Paris and Nantes, with at least ten arrests made in Nantes following a confrontation with riot police.

Violent student protests have escalated across France, with clashes between teenagers and riot police reported in multiple cities. Approximately 2,000 people, mostly teenagers, have been arrested since the unrest began, and around 400 high schools remain closed. The French government increasingly blames the hard-left France Unbowed Party (LFI) for initiating and fueling the movement, a claim LFI denies, accusing the government of politicizing the protests. The demonstrations initially stemmed from student grievances over overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages, and deteriorating school facilities, with students citing years of underinvestment. However, the violence has intensified, leading to injuries among school staff and students, and significant damage to over 100 high schools. The situation is becoming a political battleground ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Protests by French high school and university students have escalated over the past two weeks, leading to widespread school blockades and closures. Violence has erupted, with significant damage to a lycée in Nantes and numerous smaller fires, resulting in millions of euros in damages. The Education Minister reported 65 teaching staff injured, with many attackers not being their own students. Additionally, around 300 police and firefighters were treated for injuries, and approximately 2,000 people, mostly minors, were taken into custody. Student groups claim many individuals were injured by police, including two teenagers with serious eye injuries. The protests' demands, though vague, center on underfunding in the education system, including a need for more teachers, smaller classes, and better facilities.

Thousands of French students are protesting across the country, blocking high school entrances and demanding government action on education. The demonstrations, which have led to hundreds of arrests and some instances of fires and violence, stem from grievances including underfunding, overcrowded classrooms, poor teacher pay, and deteriorating school conditions. Students cite issues like crumbling buildings, staff absences, and an opaque university application system. The government acknowledges the legitimacy of some concerns but condemns the "urban violence" associated with the protests, while students accuse police of excessive force. The movement, described as the government's worst crisis in months, shows no signs of immediate de-escalation.

Many French schools remain closed due to ongoing protests concerning learning conditions. These demonstrations are occurring across the country and have led to widespread school closures. The protests highlight dissatisfaction with the current state of educational environments. The article does not specify who is protesting or the exact nature of the learning conditions being protested, only that these are the reasons for the continued school closures.

High school student protests in France over issues like long hours, teacher shortages, and poor facilities have escalated into "urban violence." The French government has warned of the danger, with Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu calling a crisis cabinet meeting. Approximately 900 demonstrations and blockades have occurred nationwide, leading to school closures and the detention of hundreds of students. Injuries have been reported among police, firefighters, pupils, and teachers. The government has accused the radical left La France Insoumise party of encouraging the protests, while the party denies this and expresses concern over police violence.

Student protests have erupted in several French cities, with hundreds detained by police. The demonstrations, primarily involving high school students aged 15 to 18, are driven by concerns over overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages, and deteriorating school facilities. Incidents reported include students setting fire to bins and erecting blockades, leading to injuries among some school principals. In Marseille, teachers were inadvertently splashed with petrol during a protest, and a firetruck was set ablaze by demonstrators. Fires were also extinguished at schools in Nantes, and in Strasbourg, students burned barriers on tram tracks, causing disruptions. Students cited unbearable heat in overcrowded classrooms and inadequate facilities as reasons for their actions.

Student protests over school funding and conditions have escalated across France, with fires breaking out at several high schools. Demonstrations, which began last week and have spread to hundreds of institutions, involve blockades and have seen incidents of violence. Fires were reported at schools in Nantes and Rouen, while a headteacher was injured by a firework in Auchel, and staff at a Marseille school were splashed with petrol. University students have joined the protests, echoing similar demands. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu convened a crisis meeting to address the unrest, which the government described as descending into "urban violence." The students' grievances include a lack of teachers and staff, overcrowded classrooms, and dilapidated buildings.

Violent student protests have erupted nationwide in France, with over 625 arrests made in two days. Students cite issues like staffing shortages, dilapidated buildings, and budget cuts as reasons for their demonstrations, which began in the Paris region and have spread to over 350 high schools and 30 university campuses. The unrest has resulted in injuries to police, gendarmes, students, and school staff, including an attack on a high school principal. Authorities are investigating the involvement of "agitators" and have warned of urban violence and attempted arson. The protests coincide with unpopular government budget cuts and have become a political flashpoint, particularly with the upcoming presidential election, where far-left presidential hopeful Jean-Luc Mélenchon has been accused of supporting and amplifying the movement.

Student protests over conditions and resources in French high schools escalated on Tuesday, resulting in the detention of over 400 individuals, primarily minors. The demonstrations, which began last week, are driven by concerns such as overcrowded classrooms and teacher shortages. Violence was reported, with injuries sustained by teachers, students, and law enforcement officers. The French interior minister stated that 440 people were detained, with a significant portion taken into police custody. The education ministry indicated that approximately 400 schools were impacted by the protests, which have included school blockades and instances of property damage. The education minister acknowledged students' right to protest but condemned acts of violence.

French high school students are protesting across France against large class sizes, teacher shortages, and demanding better timetables. These demonstrations, which began in Paris, have escalated, leading to clashes with police and over 200 arrests. In Lille, students reportedly set fires and threw projectiles at police, who responded with teargas. The government has condemned the violence, with the Prime Minister calling escalating demonstrations "irresponsible." Meanwhile, some teachers have joined the protests, expressing solidarity with students facing similar resource challenges. The protests coincide with broader public sector strikes over government budget cuts.