France: Student injured by grenade during school protests

A 15-year-old student was seriously injured in Lans, northern France, after a police stun grenade exploded in his hand during protests near the Auguste Béhal high school. The incident occurred amidst a blockade involving approximately 200 to 250 students.

While French authorities state the teenager's life is not in danger, he sustained a severe hand injury and was transported to a hospital in Lille. There are conflicting accounts regarding the cause: some reports suggest the grenade was used by police during clashes, while police versions claim the student picked up the device from the ground. The General Inspectorate of the National Police has launched an investigation to determine the exact circumstances.

The injury comes as student protests over education conditions, staffing, and funding enter their third week. Disruptions have been reported in hundreds of schools across the country, leading to clashes between demonstrators and police. Authorities have reported 5,060 people detained and 14 arrested due to violence related to the protests. Further national mobilization of students is expected on October 6.