France Suspends Stun Grenades at Student Protests After Teen Loses Hand

France has suspended the use of stun grenades by police at high school student demonstrations following growing allegations of excessive force and injuries during days of protests across the country.

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez announced the suspension on Wednesday, saying the measure would remain in place until authorities establish what happened during an incident in which a 15-year-old lost a hand after a stun grenade was fired.

The decision followed another serious injury involving a 14-year-old student in northwest Paris who was struck in the face by a tear gas grenade at close range last week. The student reportedly lost several teeth, while a police officer was charged over the incident on Tuesday.

Nunez said the suspension applies specifically to high school student protests and is intended to last only as long as necessary to clarify the circumstances surrounding the recent incidents. Police have opened 18 internal investigations into alleged misconduct since the protests began.

The demonstrations began in late September, with students blocking entrances to hundreds of high schools over complaints about poor facilities and teacher shortages. Parents, teachers and trade union members later joined the protests, which expanded into a national mobilisation.

The Interior Ministry said about 250,000 people took part in demonstrations across France on Tuesday, with 488 arrests and 43 security personnel injured. While many protests were peaceful, clashes were reported in several locations, with protesters throwing projectiles and police responding with tear gas.

Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has promised time for students and school staff to discuss their concerns in schools, but student representatives have criticised the measure as insufficient. Lecornu has also rejected claims that his government ordered police repression while warning that violence would not be tolerated.

More than 6,500 people, mostly minors, have been arrested since the movement began, according to the government. Officials say at least 215 students and 715 police officers have been injured, while the prime minister’s office has reported injuries involving 85 teaching staff.