Key facts
- France has temporarily suspended the use of stun grenades by police at high-school demonstrations.
- A 15-year-old protester lost a hand during a demonstration in Lens on Monday.
- Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez ordered the halt pending an investigation into the incident.
- At least 215 teenagers and 85 school staff have been injured during the protests.
- Approximately 750 police officers have also been wounded.
- 18 internal police investigations are underway for alleged brutality.
France has temporarily suspended the use of stun grenades by police at high-school demonstrations amid growing accusations of brutality during two weeks of protests. The decision by Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez follows an incident in Lens where a 15-year-old protester lost a hand. Nuñez stated the suspension would remain in place until the exact circumstances of the incident are fully understood.
According to the local prefect, the incident took place when police were confronted by a group of 200-250 students throwing stones and fireworks. The stun grenade is considered a non-lethal weapon, but sends out small rubber pellets when it detonates. The boy's mother told BFMTV that her son's hand had been amputated and that he had not attempted to pick up the grenade, stating, "His life has been stolen."
The protests, initially sparked by issues such as teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, and dilapidated school buildings, have led to widespread unrest. Official figures indicate that at least 215 teenagers and 85 school staff have been injured, alongside approximately 750 police officers. The interior ministry has launched 18 internal investigations into allegations of police misconduct.
Rights groups and trade unions have voiced concerns about the police's use of force, describing it as potentially "non-proportional." Despite these concerns, Nuñez asserted that officers are present to protect students. The government has faced pressure following a large-scale demonstration on Tuesday, which saw an estimated 250,000 participants across France. President Emmanuel Macron convened an emergency cabinet meeting in response.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has condemned the violence seen at some of the protests but rejected claims of "police repression." Demonstrators have engaged in vandalism, including setting fires and hurling projectiles, while police have responded with batons, teargas, and riot-control rounds. The justice ministry reported that over 6,500 people, predominantly minors, have been arrested, with more than 1,800 facing prosecution.