France suspends stun grenade use at student protests
The suspension will remain in place while authorities clarify how a 15-year-old lost his hand. Eighteen internal probes are examining allegations of brutality.
France has suspended police use of stun grenades at high school protests while authorities establish how a 15-year-old lost his hand after a grenade fired by police injured him. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez announced the suspension on Wednesday, saying it would last until there was greater clarity about the incident.
The circumstances of the injury remain unclear. One police officer has been charged in connection with an injured youth, but available information does not establish whether that case involves the 15-year-old.
Eighteen internal police probes have been opened into allegations of brutality during the demonstrations. The investigations are ongoing and are not findings of misconduct.
Student protests began in mid-September over teacher shortages and run-down school buildings. Tens of thousands marched in French cities on 6 October, joined by teachers and unions, according to a background report.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu was due to address the demonstrations and France’s finances later on Wednesday.
