France suspends stun grenade use at student protests
The temporary measure follows reports of teenagers injured during demonstrations over school conditions and education funding.
France has temporarily suspended police use of stun grenades at student-led protests, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said on Wednesday. The decision follows accusations of excessive force and reported injuries to teenagers.
Protests began in late September, with students demanding more education funding and better school conditions, including action on dilapidated facilities and teacher shortages. Teachers, parents and trade union members have joined demonstrations across the country.
A 15-year-old lost a hand in Lens on Monday after police fired a stun grenade, according to the report. A 14-year-old was injured in the face by a tear gas grenade in Paris; a police officer was charged over that incident. Police have opened 18 internal investigations into alleged misconduct, Nunez said.
Lecornu’s office says at least 715 police officers and 215 teenagers have been injured in clashes. The Interior Ministry says 6,100 people have been arrested since protests began, while the Justice Ministry says more than 1,800 are being prosecuted, including 1,483 minors. The ministries did not specify the alleged offences.
The government says outsiders have hijacked the movement and it has turned into urban violence. Lecornu has condemned violence and rejected claims that the government ordered police repression. He is due to address the protests and France’s finances on Wednesday.
