Teen Protester Loses Hand to Grenade at Saint-Étienne Rally

A 17-year-old protester had his hand torn off by a police grenade on Saturday during a cost-of-living demonstration in Saint-Étienne, France, prompting an investigation by the police oversight body IGPN. The teenager reportedly picked up the grenade by hand before it exploded, according to initial reports. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez described it as "intermediate weaponry use" in a context of "extreme violence," while prosecutors confirmed the minor, aged 17 years and 11 months, was seriously injured and taken to a local hospital. The protest against high living costs saw clashes with police, with shops looted and urban furniture destroyed, according to the mayor. The city's mayor condemned the violence while expressing support for the injured youth, and a joint press conference with the prefect is planned for Sunday.