French police arrest 40 in Pyrénées-Atlantiques school protests; two injured in Pau

Forty people were arrested in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department on Friday during school blockades and protests, with two young demonstrators sustaining minor injuries, according to the prefecture. The prefecture reported that police made 40 arrests for offenses including carrying weapons or pyrotechnic items, violence, and property damage. The last six police custody periods ended Saturday, resulting in four summonses before a juvenile judge and two referrals to a prosecutor's delegate. Restrictive orders have been issued for Monday, banning gatherings near two Bayonne high schools, which will remain on remote learning. The prefecture cited "disproportionate" police response allegations from teacher unions, who are calling for a joint demonstration Tuesday.