Teen's hand blown off by police grenade during French student protests: report

A teenager had his hand blown off as high school protesters clashed with French police during chaotic riots, as students across the country continue to protest poor conditions and teacher shortages.The 15-year-old had picked up a police dispersal grenade that detonated in the town of Lens as the wave of school protests entered its third week, losing his hand and part of his lower arm, officials said Monday, Reuters reported.François-Xavier Lauch, prefect of Pas-de-Calais, said roughly 200 to 250 protesters had been hurling objects at police.30% OF COLLEGE STUDENTS SAY VIOLENCE ACCEPTABLE WAY TO STOP SPEAKERS ON CAMPUSES, SURVEY FINDSMasked protesters install a barricade amid clashes with police during a protest by high school students near the Lycee Berthelot high school in Aubervilliers near Paris as part of nationwide protests to demand the hiring of substitute teachers, increased resources and better learning conditions, as more than 400 schools remain closed following days of student protests that have escalated into violence in some places, France, October 2, 2026.The slogan on the placard reads "Same studies, but not the same rights".

(Sarah Meyssonnier/Reuters)Education Minister Edouard Geffray said the wave of protests had been declining in recent days and that the government would launch a platform for students to express their dissatisfaction.The incident involving the teen happened on the eve of a national demonstration by the pupils' union against underfunding, overcrowding, and dilapidation.AMERICAN SCHOOLS COST MORE THAN EVER BUT OUR STUDENTS STILL KEEP FAILINGStudents clash with police during ongoing student protest action, in Lyon, central eastern France, on Oct.1, 2026.

Since late September, students have staged protests outside schools over grievances ranging from timetables, class sizes and a shortage of teachers to overheated classrooms during this year's heatwaves.The protests started in the Ile-de-France region around Paris but have now spr...