Teenager's hand blown off as French school protests enter third week

A 15-year-old student lost his hand and part of his lower arm after picking up a police stun grenade that detonated in Lens, northern France, during the third week of school protests. The protests, sparked by underfunding, overcrowding, and dilapidation of schools, entered its third week on Monday. About 200 to 250 protesters were hurling objects at police officers, who fired batons, tear gas, and flash-ball guns, sparking concern from rights groups over police tactics.

Education Minister Edouard Geffray reported that 24 schools were burnt or ransacked, and 78 teaching staff were injured. The protests, which began in Paris in September, have seen between 400 and 500 high schools closed or partially closed, and 5,000 people, mainly teenagers, arrested. Government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon emphasized restoring order, while Education Minister Geffray noted the fast-tracking of a bill to hold young people and their parents financially liable for property damage.

Security officials worry that Tuesday's protests in Paris could turn violent, potentially gaining control from far-left and anarchist groups.