France teen protester loses hand picking up police grenade

On Monday, a 15-year-old student in Lens, France, suffered a severe injury when he was struck by a police grenade during nationwide protests over classroom conditions. Some students returned to their schools, while others continued to protest outside, anticipating larger demonstrations on Tuesday. The teenager was found to have picked up a sting-ball grenade, which subsequently exploded in his hand.

Since late September, students have blocked school entrances, citing issues such as teacher shortages, overcrowded schedules, and inadequate facilities. The unrest coincides with the approaching 2027 presidential elections, which will determine the next leader of President Emmanuel Macron's centrist party. Authorities have attempted to address the students' grievances, but the French Human Rights League (LDH) has accused security forces of employing excessive force, particularly against minors.

Over 400 of France's 3,700 high schools were partially or completely closed on Monday, with a third of the 468 lycees in the Paris region expected to be shut. In Paris, some students demonstrated outside a school, while others entered to attend classes. In Bordeaux, students returned to the classroom, while others continued their protests, with police using tear gas to disperse the crowd.

Two people died during the migrant crossing in the English Channel, and over 5,000 individuals, primarily minors, have been arrested as part of the movement. The government has proposed legislation to hold those responsible for damaging public property accountable, potentially allowing compensation payments to be recovered from family benefits and housing allowances.

Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has urged local authorities to prioritize filling teaching vacancies and address the country's aging school infrastructure.