France has stopped using stun grenades during student protests after a 15-year-old boy lost his hand during a demonstration in Lens. The incident occurred on Monday near Auguste Béhal High School, where students were protesting school conditions.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced the suspension while authorities investigate the circumstances of the incident. Reports differ on what happened; officials claim the boy picked up a grenade that exploded, while students say he was struck by a grenade fired by police.
According to police, they faced around 200 to 250 students who were throwing stones and fireworks. Nuñez mentioned that the police watchdog, IGPN, has opened 18 investigations to determine if officers used appropriate force during the protests.
Stun grenades are typically considered non-lethal but can cause serious injuries. The incident has raised concerns about police tactics, especially as protests have expanded beyond high school students to include university students, parents, and trade unions.
On Wednesday, more than 500 schools were closed or partially closed due to ongoing protests. The Interior Ministry reported that 488 people were arrested and 43 security officers were injured during the demonstrations.
Concerns about police actions have been growing, especially after another incident last week where a 14-year-old boy was injured by a tear-gas grenade. A police officer has been charged in that case.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu condemned the violence, noting that many students, staff, and police officers have been injured since protests began in mid-September. President Emmanuel Macron held an emergency meeting with top ministers to address the escalating situation, as further protests are planned for Thursday in Paris and other cities.
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