French authorities have temporarily banned the deployment of stun grenades by police at high school demonstrations, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced on Wednesday. The decision comes amid intensifying scrutiny over alleged police brutality during two weeks of widespread protests that have resulted in hundreds of injuries across the nation.
Nuñez confirmed the order during an interview with RTL radio, stating that the suspension is specifically tied to the student movement. The halt follows a severe incident on Monday in Lens, northern France, where a 15-year-old protester lost a hand.
The minister emphasized that the restriction remains in place “until we know what happened,” signaling a move toward investigation before such tactical equipment is authorized again in educational settings. The episode has exacerbated concerns regarding inequality and the deteriorating condition of France’s public education system, which have served as key drivers for the ongoing unrest.
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