French high schools to close Monday as student protests escalate; teen faces 'barbarism' charge

Hundreds of French high schools will remain closed Monday due to security concerns, according to Education Minister Edouard Geffray, who also reported 78 education staff injured since protests began. A 15-year-old student is set to be charged with "act of barbarism" for allegedly throwing flaming spray on a 40-year-old woman in Marseille. The suspect confessed and expressed regret, while the victim suffered facial burns. The nationwide student protest movement began September 17 and has led to over 5,000 arrests. Students demand more funding, better facilities, and reduced pressure from the Parcoursup university admissions system.