Thousands of students in France protest against the education system – injuries caused by police bullets

In France, thousands of students once again protested against abuses in the school and education system. There were protests at almost 600 schools. Student representatives also announced a nationwide day of protest for Tuesday for better equipment in schools and better learning conditions.

In Paris, a demonstration is planned for 2 p.m. on the Place de la République. Gatherings were also announced in other cities, including Lyon, Lille, Marseille, Toulouse, Bordeaux, Rennes and Strasbourg. Support comes from several large education unions, which are calling for participation in the actions and, in some cases, strikes. This could make the protest broader beyond the student movement.

Meanwhile, concerns about an escalation of violence are growing. The case of a 15-year-old high school student whose hand was torn off by a grenade fired by police in Lens, northern France, caused consternation on Monday. Officials had previously fired the bullet into a group of demonstrating students.

According to police, the student picked up the grenade to throw it back. Education Minister Édouard Geffray said the exact circumstances of the incident were still unclear. The General Inspectorate of Police is investigating the riot police deployed. The case could further fuel the protests, which are sometimes characterized by dramatic scenes of violence.

There had been injuries on previous protest days. In Tours, a 16-year-old lost an eye - presumably due to a hard rubber police bullet. In Saint-Ouen-l'Aumône, a 14-year-old had all his teeth knocked out or damaged when a tear gas grenade was fired.

This article will continue to be updated.