France halts use of stun grenades after boy's hand blown off in student protests

France has suspended the use of stun grenades by police during high school student protests following a severe injury to a 15-year-old demonstrator. The student lost a hand on October 5 in Lens, northern France, after a police stun grenade exploded. While authorities suggest the teenager may have picked up the device, his mother asserts he did not, intensifying a debate over police tactics amid ongoing nationwide student unrest.

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez announced the temporary halt on October 7, specifically for high school demonstrations, pending clarification of the incident's circumstances. This decision comes as accusations of police brutality against often-minor protesters mount. The widespread demonstrations, which have seen thousands of arrests and hundreds of injuries, are fueled by student grievances over poor school conditions, including dilapidated infrastructure, teacher shortages, and inadequate funding.

The protests have disrupted hundreds of schools across France for over two weeks, reflecting deep-seated concerns about the education system. The government is facing pressure to address these issues, with the incident further highlighting tensions between students and law enforcement.