Saint-Denis Mayor Tear-Gassed Protecting Student Protesters

Bally Bagayoko, the Mayor of Saint-Denis, France, was tear-gassed while attempting to shield student protesters from riot police during demonstrations over inadequate funding for high schools. A video shared by Al Jazeera shows Bagayoko standing between police officers and student protesters, appealing for restraint from the officers.

The protests, which began on September 17 at a school in Paris, have now entered their third week, with more than 250,000 participants nationwide. Demonstrators are calling for increased funding to address issues such as teacher shortages and overcrowded classrooms.

Police have responded with tear gas and water cannons in cities like Paris and Lyon. Reports indicate that over 5,000 people have been arrested in connection with the protests, with minors making up approximately 85 percent of those detained.

The protests have escalated in some areas, leading to clashes between teenagers and security forces, as well as incidents of vandalism.