French Police Face Scrutiny Over Student Protest Injuries
French policing tactics are facing growing scrutiny after a wave of student protests left hundreds injured, including several minors with serious and potentially permanent injuries, prompting investigations into the use of rubber bullets, stun grenades and tear gas launchers.
Police Watchdog Investigates 24 Protest Cases
France’s internal police watchdog is investigating 24 cases linked to the handling of more than two weeks of student unrest over school conditions.
One of the most serious cases involves a 14-year-old boy who suffered a broken jaw and multiple smashed teeth after being struck in the face by a tear gas canister during a protest.
Another 15-year-old lost a hand in an explosion believed to have involved a stun grenade, while a 16-year-old suffered a serious eye injury.
Nearly 6,900 Arrested During Student Unrest
Authorities say 6,877 people, mostly minors, have been arrested during the protests.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez has said around 200 students have been injured, while approximately 700 police officers have also been hurt.
Schools have been burned or damaged during the unrest, while teachers and members of the public have also been attacked.
Calls Grow to Restrict ‘Less Lethal’ Weapons
Rights advocates and some politicians are calling for France to permanently ban or restrict weapons such as rubber bullets and stun grenades in crowd-control operations.
The use of stun grenades has already been paused pending investigation into the case involving the 15-year-old who lost his hand.
Police unions argue that officers need intermediate-force options during violent confrontations and warn that removing them could make crowd control more difficult.
The controversy has intensified public debate over police tactics as the protest movement expands across France.
