International News
France has suspended the use of stun grenades during student protests after a 15-year-old boy lost his hand in an incident involving police during demonstrations in Lens.
France has suspended the use of stun grenades during student protests after a 15-year-old boy lost his hand during clashes with police in the northern city of Lens.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez ordered the temporary suspension while investigations establish what happened. Police watchdog IGPN is examining 18 incidents linked to the demonstrations.
The teenager was seriously injured on Monday near Auguste Béhal High School. Authorities and protesters have offered different accounts of the incident, with reports saying the boy may have picked up a police grenade before it exploded, while some students allege the device was fired directly at him.
The wider protests have continued across France, with more than 500 schools fully or partially closed. Students have been demonstrating over overcrowded classrooms, deteriorating school buildings and shortages of teachers.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has defended the police response while acknowledging the concerns raised by students. He said the government would present proposals by the end of October addressing issues including school renovations and teacher availability.
Education Minister Édouard Geffray said 24 schools had been seriously damaged by fires or vandalism and would remain closed for several weeks, affecting about 30,000 students. Repair costs were estimated at between €20 million and €30 million.
The Interior Ministry said hundreds of people were arrested during Tuesday's nationwide demonstrations, while police and protesters have reported injuries. Rights groups and student organisations have accused authorities of using excessive force, while government officials say some demonstrations have involved violence and property damage.
Further protests are expected as student unions continue to demand concrete measures to improve conditions in French schools.
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