France Halts Stun Grenade Use After Teen Protester Loses Hand
France Halts Stun Grenade Use After Teen Protester Loses Hand
French police suspend stun grenade deployment at high school protests following a severe injury to a 15-year-old. Nationwide demonstrations over education funding intensify.
French police have temporarily suspended the use of stun grenades at high school demonstrations following a grave incident where a 15-year-old student lost a hand during a protest. The decision comes amidst a fortnight of widespread student and teacher protests across France, challenging the government on the state of its education system.
The incident occurred in Lens, northern France, on Monday. While authorities are still investigating the exact circumstances: including whether the boy picked up the grenade or was struck by it: Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez stated that up to 200 protesters were reportedly throwing projectiles at police when riot squads intervened.
Nuñez confirmed the suspension of grenades “until we know exactly what happened in this case,” specifically “in the context of the high school students' movement.”
Despite the suspension, Nuñez has rejected accusations of widespread police brutality as “excessive,” telling MPs that officers only intervene when protests are not peaceful. However, the injured boy's mother shared her heartbreak on BFMTV, stating her son's hand had to be amputated. “His life has been stolen.
He's a 15-year-old kid, how can children be treated like that?” she emotionally recounted, insisting her son did not try to pick up the device.
The protests, sparked by chronic teacher shortages, overcrowded classes, dilapidated school buildings, and long school days, have significantly impacted the education system.
On Wednesday, classes were wholly or partially suspended in 429 of the country's 3,700 lycées.
Additionally, 80 university campuses, including the prestigious Sciences Po in Paris, saw largely peaceful blockades by students.
Teachers and other unions have voiced support for further strike action.
The human cost of these demonstrations is mounting. Nuñez informed parliament that 215 teenagers and 89 school staff have been injured since the protests began, alongside 761 police officers. Allegations of police misconduct have led to 18 internal police investigations, including incidents where a young protester lost multiple teeth and another lost the use of an eye.
Rights groups and trade unions continue to accuse police of using disproportionate force.
Tuesday marked one of the largest protest days, with at least 250,000 pupils, parents, teachers, and unionists taking to the streets in cities nationwide. This surge prompted President Emmanuel Macron to hold an emergency cabinet meeting. While most marches remained peaceful, some, particularly in Paris, escalated into sporadic vandalism and clashes with riot police, who deployed tear gas and baton charges to disperse crowds.
The prime minister reiterated that French security forces do not have orders to “confront” protesting students, even as allegations of brutality continue to rise, with more than 6,500 people - mostly minors - arrested throughout the movement.
