Shattered jaws, lost hand, tear gas: France sees its ‘most violent’ student protests in decades; parents slam ‘disgusting’ handling by cops
The past two weeks have seen violent protests by high-school students and teachers' unions across Paris and several parts of France.
Student protests in France have escalated into violent demonstrations, with riot police employing excessive force against demonstrators. The unrest, primarily driven by concerns over deteriorating school conditions, teacher shortages, and reduced educational quality, has left over 6,000 individuals arrested and dozens injured. Over 500 schools remain closed daily due to the protests, prompting student groups to organize further marches.
The violent confrontations have resulted in severe injuries, including the loss of a hand for a 15-year-old student from Lens who was hit by a police stun grenade. Another 14-year-old suffered a shattered jaw and tooth loss after being attacked with tear gas. Eden, one of the injured students, described the events on video, expressing his despair over the violent tactics used against peaceful protesters.
His mother expressed shock and condemnation at the treatment of her son, emphasizing the need for better educational conditions.
Critics, including human rights activists and legal professionals, have decried the use of excessive force by the police. Alexis Baudelin, a Paris attorney representing several student detainees, noted that the movement is effectively introducing young citizens to the workings of state power and their rights as citizens. The experience of detention, he added, can be deeply traumatic and disproportionate to the issues at hand.
The government, led by Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu, has acknowledged the legitimacy of the students' demands but has yet to provide concrete solutions. Students have expressed frustration at the lack of immediate action from the authorities, with several calling for a swift and fully funded response to their grievances. The Interior Minister has banned the use of stun grenades in future protests, but the damage to educational facilities remains significant, with an estimated €20 million to €30 million needed for repairs.
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