Demonstrator loses hand during Saint-Etienne protest, investigation opened

A demonstrator had his hand torn off on Saturday in Saint-Etienne during the October 17 protests, according to a source close to the case. The injured person was transported to the university hospital with his right hand in shreds. The Loire prefecture said a 17-year-old was "seriously injured in the hand," after initially stating he was in his twenties. An investigation into the causes of the injuries has been opened and assigned to the police inspectorate (IGPN), announced the Saint-Etienne prosecutor's office. The protest "against the high cost of living" saw clashes with police, broken shop fronts, and destroyed street furniture. The mayor expressed support for the young man while condemning the violence.