Teen's Hand Blown Off by Police Grenade in French Student Protests
During nationwide student protests in France against school conditions and teacher shortages, a 15-year-old boy had his hand blown off by a police stun grenade.
During high school student protests in the French town of Lens, a 15-year-old boy lost his hand and part of his forearm when a police dispersal grenade exploded.
Incident in the Town of Lens
Violence erupted in the town of Lens during nationwide protests entering their third week over inadequate school conditions and teacher shortages across France.
Authorities announced that a 15-year-old boy lost his hand and part of his lower arm after a police crowd-control grenade he picked up from the ground exploded in his hand.
Statements from Authorities
Pas-de-Calais Prefect François-Xavier Lauch stated that approximately 200 to 250 demonstrators threw objects at police officers during the incident.
Education Minister Edouard Geffray stated that the wave of protests had eased in recent days and that the government would establish a platform where students could voice their grievances.
Nationwide Demonstrations
The demonstrations, which started in the Paris suburbs and spread nationwide, turned violent, including the looting of some schools, according to officials.
The protests are taking place months ahead of elections to choose a successor to the outgoing president.
Legal Proceedings and Arrests
According to data shared by the French Ministry of Justice, more than 5,000 people have been detained since the protests began, 87% of whom are minors.
It was reported that judicial investigations are underway against more than 1,800 people, including 1,483 children.