France Halts Stun Grenade Use After Teen's Injury in Protests

France has suspended the use of stun grenades during student protests following an incident in Lens where a 15-year-old boy lost his hand. The suspension was ordered by Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez pending clarification of the circumstances surrounding the incident, which occurred near Auguste Béhal High School.

Conflicting accounts emerged, with authorities stating the boy picked up an anti-encirclement grenade that exploded, while students claimed he was hit by a grenade fired by police. Nuñez announced that the police watchdog, IGPN, has opened 18 investigations into the use of force by officers during the protests.

The demonstrations, which have involved over 500 schools and resulted in numerous injuries and arrests, have raised significant concerns regarding police tactics. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu reported that since mid-September, 215 students, 85 school staff, and 715 police officers have been injured.

An emergency meeting was held by President Emmanuel Macron to address the escalating crisis.