French authorities have issued a temporary prohibition on the use of stun grenades by law enforcement at student-led demonstrations, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez announced on Wednesday. The decision comes amidst escalating criticism regarding police conduct during nationwide protests over education funding and school conditions.
The policy shift follows a series of incidents involving severe injuries to minors. On Monday, a 15-year-old boy in the northern city of Lens lost a hand after being struck by a stun grenade. Additionally, a 14-year-old student in Paris suffered dental injuries after a tear gas canister was discharged at close range. A police officer was charged in connection with the Paris incident.
Nunez confirmed that 18 internal investigations have been launched into allegations of misconduct since the unrest began. However, rights organizations, student groups, and parents’ associations argue that authorities are employing disproportionate force against young people. In response, the government has characterized the movement as having been co-opted by external elements, leading to urban violence.
The scale of the crackdown has been significant. According to the Ministry of the Interior, 6,100 individuals have been arrested since late September, with the majority being minors. The Ministry of Justice reported that more than 1,800 people are facing prosecution, including 1,483 teenagers, though specific charges were not detailed.
Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu stated that 715 police officers and 215 teenagers have been injured during the clashes. Lecornu condemned the violence during a Tuesday address to lawmakers but rejected accusations that the government had ordered repressive tactics against protesters. He is scheduled to make a public statement on Wednesday regarding both the protests and the nation’s financial situation.
The demonstrations originated in late September, initially driven by students aged 15 to 17 demanding better funding for education and addressing dilapidated school facilities and teacher shortages. The protests expanded on Tuesday to include teachers, union workers, and parents in Paris and other cities.
Good move by the interior minister, but I worry about enforcement. Will this actually stick in the heat of the moment?
Seems like a step forward, but 1,483 teen prosecutions tell a different story. The crackdown hasn’t actually stopped.
15-year-old lost a hand! This changes everything. How can anyone justify military-grade tactics in schools now?
Is this suspension really temporary? Or just a PR stunt to quiet the outrage before the next escalation?
Finally some restraint shown. Protecting children from losing limbs should be the bare minimum, not a political debate.