Key facts
- Hundreds of teenagers built barricades outside a Paris high school to protest.
- Protesters cited alleged police brutality and systemic issues in the education system.
- At least 215 teenagers and 715 police officers were injured in recent clashes.
- Ten investigations into possible police brutality are ongoing.
- Over 5,000 people, mostly minors, have been arrested since the protests began.
- Students are also protesting against the rise of the far-right.
Hundreds of French teenagers built barricades outside their schools on Tuesday, protesting against alleged police brutality and systemic issues within the education system. The movement, which began outside one school in a low-income Paris suburb, has spread across the country, leading to widespread school closures and clashes.
Students dragged wheelie bins, metal barriers, and shopping trolleys to construct barricades, holding banners that called for more funding and greater equality in French schools. They also voiced strong opposition to the actions of French riot police, with human rights groups accusing them of using disproportionate force against children.
According to the government, at least 215 teenagers, 715 police officers, and 85 teaching staff have been injured in recent days. Ten investigations into possible police brutality are underway, following allegations of severe injuries caused by police weapons, including a 15-year-old who lost his hand and another who lost an eye.
The justice ministry reported that 5,060 people had been arrested since the protests began, with 87% being minors. Over 1,800 people, including 1,483 minors, have been prosecuted, and 24 schools have been burned or ransacked.
Students expressed frustration with teacher shortages, crumbling buildings, and overcrowded classes, with some highlighting the disparity in opportunities between students from different socioeconomic backgrounds. Protests also included chants against the far-right and concerns about the upcoming presidential election.