France police face investigations amid student protests

Ongoing high school student protests in France have led to significant tensions between demonstrators and law enforcement. The Inspection générale de la police nationale (IGPN) has opened 36 investigations into alleged police violence, including four cases involving mutilating injuries and six involving significant injuries. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez noted that since the movement began on September 18, over 200 students, 800 police officers, and 147 education staff members have been injured.

A central case involves a 16-year-old student in Tours who was permanently blinded in one eye during a school blockade. A police officer has been placed under judicial control and charged with aggravated violence, while another is being held as a witness. Medical examinations suggest the injury is consistent with an impact from a defense ball launcher (LBD).

Additionally, reports have emerged regarding the confiscation of protest signs by police. The Ligue des droits de l'homme is considering legal action, suggesting that seizing signs expressing grievances against law enforcement may constitute theft and a violation of freedom of expression. In other regions, such as Épinal, police have been deployed to prevent school blockades and ensure the resumption of in-person classes.