French Teen Loses Hand After Picking Up Police Grenade in School Protest

oglobo.globo.com (Portuguese) —

A 15-year-old student lost a hand on Monday during a clash between police and protesters near a school in Lens, France, after reportedly picking up a tear gas grenade that exploded. Authorities confirmed the injury, though conflicting accounts exist about the exact circumstances. The prefect of Pas-de-Calais said a large group of students threw objects at police before riot officers were deployed. The student's life is not in danger, and an investigation by the police oversight body IGPN has been opened. The French Human Rights League accused police of disproportionate force against minors. The incident occurred amid nationwide student protests over poor classroom conditions, which have affected hundreds of high schools since September. The school has switched to remote learning, and the government faces pressure ahead of the 2027 elections while accusing far-left activists of hijacking the movement.


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