Student Loses Hand in France School Protest Incident

On October 5, a 15-year-old student in Lens, France, lost a hand after picking up a sting-ball grenade fired by riot police during nationwide protests concerning classroom conditions. These protests, which began on September 17, have resulted in the closure of over 400 high schools across France due to grievances about teacher absences, overloaded timetables, and inadequate facilities.

The unrest has intensified ahead of larger demonstrations planned for the following day. The French Human Rights League (LDH) criticized security forces for using disproportionate methods against protesters, many of whom are minors.

The protests have led to significant disruptions in education, with a third of high schools in the Paris region expected to be closed. The movement has escalated into vandalism, including the destruction of school property and clashes with police, with 24 schools reported burned or ransacked since the protests began.