Teen loses hand after picking up police grenade during France school protests

A teenager lost his hand after picking up a police stun grenade during clashes between high-school protesters and riot police in northern France on Monday, a local official confirmed. The incident occurred in Lens as a wave of school protests entered its third week. The 15-year-old's injury was reported by regional newspaper La Voix du Nord, while Pas-de-Calais prefect François-Xavier Lauch declined to detail the circumstances, citing 200-250 protesters throwing objects at police. The protests stem from grievances over underfunding, overcrowding, and dilapidation in schools. The demonstrations have spread nationwide, with 400-500 schools closed or partially closed ahead of Tuesday's planned protest. The government has accused hard-left France Unbowed lawmakers of stoking unrest, while rights groups criticize police tactics against minors. Authorities are also examining other cases, including a 16-year-old injured by rubber bullets.