Report: Teen Loses Hand in Police Grenade Blast at French Protests
A 15-year-old student lost a hand when high school protesters clashed with French police during violent unrest, as demonstrations over poor school conditions and teacher shortages continued across the country.
The teenager picked up a police dispersal grenade that detonated in Lens, destroying his hand and part of his lower arm, officials said Monday, according to Reuters. The incident came as the nationwide school protests entered their third week.
François-Xavier Lauch, prefect of Pas-de-Calais, said an estimated 200 to 250 protesters had thrown objects at police.
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Masked protesters erect a barricade during clashes with police near Lycee Berthelot high school in Aubervilliers, outside Paris, on Oct. 2, 2026. The nationwide protests are calling for substitute teachers to be hired, greater resources and improved learning conditions. The placard reads: “Same studies, but not the same rights”. (Sarah Meyssonnier/Reuters)
Education Minister Edouard Geffray said the protests had begun to ease in recent days. He added that the government would create a platform where students could voice their concerns.
The teenager was injured one day before a national demonstration organized by the pupils’ union to protest underfunding, overcrowded classrooms and deteriorating school buildings.
Students clash with police during continuing protests in Lyon, in central eastern France, on Oct. 1, 2026. Since late September, students have demonstrated outside schools nationwide over schedules, class sizes, teacher shortages and overheated classrooms during this year’s heatwaves. (Alex Martin AFP via Getty Images)
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The unrest comes several months before an election to replace outgoing President Emmanuel Macron. The protests began in Paris, particularly in poorer suburbs, before spreading across France.
Government officials said the demonstrations had turned violent in some areas, with several schools reportedly ransacked.
Students clash with police during protests over school conditions and teacher shortages. Reports say a teenager lost his hand after picking up a police grenade. (Getty Images)
French high school students demonstrate outside Lycee Voltaire high school. More than 400 schools remain closed as unrest escalates into violence in some locations. (Sarah Meyssonnier/Reuters)
“We’re going to keep blocking until the government hears us,” 18-year-old Sami Karen told Reuters while protesting outside Charles de Foucauld high school in Paris. “As long as they don’t listen to us, we won’t stop this fight.”
More than 5,000 people have been arrested since the protests began, and 87% of those detained were minors. France’s Justice Ministry said more than 1,800 people face prosecution, including 1,483 minors.
Authorities have not disclosed the specific charges.
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