Maël's family speaks out after rubber bullet injury in Tours

The family of Maël, a 16-year-old student who lost vision in his right eye after being hit by a rubber bullet during a high school blockade in Tours, issued a statement Monday, October 5, 2026, confirming his permanent injury and denying any militant involvement. Hospitalized since the September 30 incident, Maël is recovering, and his parents used the mayor of Langeais as a mediator to address rampant rumors, including a fraudulent online fundraiser exceeding 6,000 euros launched in his mother's name. The family condemned the spread of fake photos and videos, demanding privacy and an end to hateful social media commentary so their son can heal peacefully.