Student seriously injured during protest in Lens

During a student protest in Lens, northern France, a 15-year-old high school student's hand was torn off by a police grenade. The student was taken to the clinic in Lille with serious injuries, but his life was not in danger, the police and public prosecutor's office said. The General Inspectorate of the National Police has opened an investigation into the police operation. It is not yet known what type of grenade it was.

As part of nationwide protests at high schools, students demonstrated in front of the school in Lens. According to the prefecture, officials were pelted with stones and fireworks from a group of 200 to 250 students. The riot police then arrived in front of the school and the incident occurred. Authorities said it remains to be determined whether the seriously injured student picked up the grenade that police fired at the crowd or whether it landed directly in his hand.

Classmate: “His hand exploded”

Students at the scene told broadcaster Ici Nord that they had wanted to block the entrance to the school when officers used tear gas and grenades. “I stood next to the classmate who was injured. Suddenly something hit his hand and it exploded. I saw his hand explode,” said one student. According to the station's information, the grenade used was a stun grenade. Their use during demonstrations is controversial.

At the beginning of the week, young people demonstrated again at more than 400 schools in France for better school equipment and better learning conditions. Hundreds of schools remained closed following violent protests last week. Student representatives have called for nationwide protests this Tuesday, with support coming from the unions.