Gruesome injuries throw spotlight on France’s policing of high school protests

In October 2026, French student-led protests over school funding and conditions escalated into clashes with law enforcement, resulting in several severe injuries to minors. A 14-year-old boy suffered a shattered jaw and lost teeth from a tear gas grenade, leading to the suspension and charging of the officer involved. Other incidents include a 15-year-old losing a hand to a stun grenade and a 16-year-old facing partial blindness. While the Interior Ministry has suspended the use of specific stun grenades against students, officials maintain that police actions have generally been proportionate responses to rioting and vandalism. Human rights advocates and lawyers argue the police response has been excessive and could alienate a new generation of citizens.

In October 2026, French student-led protests over school funding and conditions escalated into clashes with law enforcement, resulting in several severe injuries to minors. A 14-year-old boy suffered a shattered jaw and lost teeth from a tear gas grenade, leading to the suspension and charging of the officer involved. Other incidents include a 15-year-old losing a hand to a stun grenade and a 16-year-old facing partial blindness. While the Interior Ministry has suspended the use of specific stun grenades against students, officials maintain that police actions have generally been proportionate responses to rioting and vandalism. Human rights advocates and lawyers argue the police response has been excessive and could alienate a new generation of citizens.