Tan-Tan – France has suspended the use of stun grenades during high school student protests after a 15-year-old demonstrator lost his hand during a protest in Lens, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced Wednesday.
Nuñez told RTL that the suspension would apply specifically to the student movement until authorities establish what happened to the teenager. The National Police General Inspectorate (IGPN) has opened 18 investigations into incidents linked to the protests, he said.
The 15-year-old was seriously injured Monday during a demonstration in Lens. He lost his left hand and later received a transplant, according to the mayor of Wingles, where the teenager lives. Investigators are examining whether he picked up a grenade after it was thrown or whether it landed directly on him, and whether police used the device according to regulations.
The decision follows growing criticism of police tactics during a protest movement that has spread across France. Police chief Louis Laugier had already ordered the temporary suspension of the ASSD stun grenade on Tuesday while the circumstances of the Lens injury were investigated.
The incident has intensified political pressure on the government. Manuel Bompard, national coordinator of the left-wing France Unbowed (LFI), called for a ban on what he described as “weapons of war” at demonstrations. Socialist Party lawmaker Boris Vallaud also said grenades and rubber bullets should not be used during demonstrations involving minors.
Why are students protesting?
The protests began in schools in the Paris suburbs in September before spreading nationwide. Students have raised concerns about teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, poor school buildings, and heavy schedules. They are also calling for changes to the university admissions system Parcoursup and better staffing in schools.
The movement expanded sharply this week. The Interior Ministry has assessed that more than 250,000 people took part in demonstrations across France on Tuesday, while organizers put the figure at 450,000. Hundreds of schools were blocked or closed, and clashes with police were reported in several cities.
The government has faced criticism over both the conditions in schools and its response to the protests. Rights groups have accused police of excessive force, while authorities have pointed to attacks, vandalism, and violence surrounding some demonstrations.
Since the movement began, 6,547 people have been arrested, including 488 on Tuesday alone, according to figures cited by Nuñez. More than 700 police officers and gendarmes have also been injured.
