French Police Officer Filmed Holding Young Man Underwater Sparks Nationwide Protests

A viral video showing a French police officer holding a young man's head underwater has sparked outrage, escalating nationwide student protests that have led to at least 5,000 arrests and 500 injuries. The incident occurred Friday near a high school in Belfort during a protest. The officer, attempting to arrest a suspected arsonist, was later attacked by a group of youths, suffering a brief loss of consciousness and facial injuries. An investigation for attempted murder has been opened. The protests began over education budget cuts, with further demonstrations planned for October 6 and 17. Other violent incidents include a student losing an eye to a rubber bullet and a teacher being attacked with gasoline.