In France, amid student protests that have spread across the country, police have detained around 5,000 people since Monday, most of them teenagers. By midday on Friday, the Ministry of National Education reported that unrest had affected 564 educational institutions, while at least 400 lycées — about one in ten — were not operating because of the protests.
As The Independent reports, the actions began last week with peaceful blockades of secondary schools in the Paris area. Students demanded improved learning conditions, including solutions to shortages of teachers and staff, overcrowded classes, neglected buildings and overloaded schedules. After the student union Union Syndicale Lycéenne called for a nationwide blockade, university students and other supporters of the movement joined the protests.
Education Minister Édouard Geffray said that 65 school staff members had been injured, including 40 principals. Due to damage, some classes were moved to a remote format. He also said that more than 300 police officers were injured during the unrest.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Fires broke out at several schools. In particular, the Nelson Mandela lycée in Nantes was set on fire, while staff at the Victor Hugo lycée in Marseille were reportedly doused with petrol. Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin said that an active and aggressive minority was taking part in the actions, and that the parents of those damaging property should compensate for the losses.
Protest participants also claim that police have used excessive force, including batons and tear gas. In the city of Tours, a 16-year-old student sustained an eye injury after being hit by a projectile fired from an LBD-40. A student who spoke to the outlet on condition of anonymity claimed that the victim was in critical condition and could lose his sight.
According to the mother of a 14-year-old student from the Val-d'Oise department, he suffered severe facial injuries and lost several teeth after being struck in the jaw during the use of a tear-gas grenade launcher. French authorities have opened several investigations into allegations of police violence. Amnesty International described as extremely alarming images showing students who, according to the organization, were subjected to violence by law enforcement officers, and stressed that the use of force must be proportionate even in cases of violent actions by protesters.
Source: UA
