Several teenagers in France have reportedly suffered severe injuries resembling those from war due to police actions during ongoing school protests. Lawyers and rights groups have raised alarms over the unprecedented number of minors detained, with claims of physical abuse and racial insults during arrests.
Context of the Protests
France is currently experiencing its largest youth protest movement in decades, which has entered its fourth week. Students across hundreds of high schools are demanding the replacement of absent teachers and urgent repairs to dilapidated school buildings. In response, police have initiated internal investigations into 36 allegations of violence against demonstrators, including claims that four children were "mutilated" by explosive weapons.
Notable Incidents
- Evan, a 15-year-old from Lens, lost his left hand and several fingers from his right hand due to a police stun grenade explosion on October 5. His lawyer, Bertrand Wattez, stated, "His injuries resemble war injuries."
- Eden, a 14-year-old near a protest in Saint-Ouen-l’Aumône, suffered severe facial injuries, including fractures to his jaw and the loss of his teeth, allegedly from a grenade launcher shot fired at close range. His family has filed a legal complaint for attempted murder.
- Maël, a 16-year-old in Tours, lost the use of his eye after being struck by a rubber-bullet launcher shot. His lawyer emphasized that Maël was not involved in any violence but was merely present at a protest.
