French teen loses hand in protest after picking up police stun grenade

Students have been protesting dilapidated school buildings, teacher shortages, and long school days. The protests, which began in late September, have escalated into nationwide demonstrations, with hundreds of thousands of students participating. The government has acknowledged the legitimacy of some grievances, with Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu ordering ministers to develop proposals by the end of the month to address issues such as replacing absent teachers and reviewing school hours.

The school issued a statement on Monday morning, saying: "In light of the events that took place this morning and in order to ensure the safety of the entire school community, the institution is switching to distance learning from now on." A listening and support unit has also been set up at the establishment.

Regional newspaper La Voix Du Nord reported that the student lost his hand after picking up a police stun grenade. Officials have not yet provided details. A regional prosecutor said an investigation would be carried out by the French police watchdog, the General Inspection of the National Police (IGPN), "so all light can be shed on what happened".

In a separate incident in Tours, a 16-year-old filed a complaint for police violence after losing sight in his right eye, with injuries attributed to a police rubber bullet.