French Student Protests Spark Scrutiny of Police Force as Injuries to Minors Mount

France’s policing of a wave of student protests is facing heavy scrutiny after a series of serious injuries to teenagers. The IGPN police watchdog is investigating 24 cases tied to the unrest, which began over school conditions more than two weeks ago. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu called the demonstrations the most violent in decades. Police have arrested 6,877 people, mostly minors, and authorities say 700 officers were hurt, while schools were burned or ransacked. Interior minister Laurent Nunez estimated 200 students were injured but said police rarely caused it.

Eden’s Case: Broken Jaw From Tear Gas Grenade

Fourteen-year-old Eden suffered a broken jaw and smashed teeth after being hit in the face by a tear gas grenade fired at close range in Saint-Ouen-l’Aumone, according to his family’s lawyer. Prosecutors say he kicked an officer who struck him with a baton. The officer is under formal investigation, and the family filed an attempted murder complaint.

Rubber Bullets and Stun Grenades Face Ban Calls

Reuters said, has documented 28 injury cases, including two involving eyes hit by rubber bullets and a 15-year-old in Lens who lost a hand, likely to a stun grenade. Nunez paused stun grenade use. Researcher Sebastian Roche said France is an anomaly in Europe, with four irreversible injuries to minors in 12 days.

Amnesty International and some politicians want these weapons banned. Union representative Thierry Clair says removing them would leave only lethal force, blaming violence from some protesters.