Teen loses hand picking up police grenade as France school protests continue

Key Points:

• A 15-year-old student lost a hand after picking up a police sting-ball grenade during nationwide protests in France over poor classroom conditions, with hundreds of schools affected by disruptions since last week.
• The protests, driven by grievances such as teacher absences, overcrowded schedules, and dilapidated facilities, have seen more than 400 high schools partially or fully closed and have occasionally escalated into vandalism and clashes with police.
• Authorities have arrested over 5,000 people, mostly minors, while the French Human Rights League criticized police for using disproportionate force against underage protesters.
• The government plans to address teacher shortages and school infrastructure issues and is proposing legislation to make families financially responsible for damages caused by student protesters, a move criticized by labor unions as unfair to vulnerable families.
• The unrest comes ahead of next year’s elections and reflects broader social tensions, with student leaders urging caution amid escalating violence during demonstrations.