French police detain over 5,000 in student protests

French authorities have detained over 5,000 people since student protests began, with approximately 85% of those detained being minors, mostly school students, according to the Interior Ministry. The strikes have affected 564 of France's 3,700 secondary schools. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez reported the figures on TF1 on Friday, October 2, while Education Minister Édouard Geffre noted 65 school workers were injured, including 40 principals, and over 100 school buildings were damaged. Nunez called the protest scale significant and unexpected, linking it to social media and the left-wing party La France Insoumise. A video from Belfort showing a police officer being knocked down and kicked has drawn attention; the officer was hospitalized but is in stable condition. A 17-year-old has been detained in connection with the attack. Students are protesting over school schedules and building conditions.