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Teenager's hand blown off during school protests in France
Overview
A 15-year-old boy's hand was blown off during clashes between police and student demonstrators near a school in Lens, northern France. The incident occurred amidst nationwide student protests over school building conditions and staffing shortages, leading to about 500 school closures on Monday. The French police watchdog, the IGPN, is investigating the circumstances surrounding the injury, while the government has announced plans for a consultation platform to address student grievances.
Key points
- A 15-year-old boy lost his hand during a confrontation between police and student demonstrators outside Auguste Béhal high school in Lens.
- The prefect of Pas-de-Calais stated the student's life is not in danger and he was quickly transferred to hospital.
- Reports differ on how the injury occurred, with a police union source claiming the boy picked up a sting-ball grenade, while an eyewitness stated he did not.
- The French police watchdog (IGPN) has launched an investigation into the incident.
- Around 500 schools were partially or totally closed across France on Monday due to student protests regarding school conditions and staffing.
- At least 190 students have been injured and over 5,000 people arrested since the protests began in late September.