A 14-year-old French pupil, Eden, suffered a broken jaw and multiple smashed teeth when hit by a teargas canister during student protests in France. His family has filed a complaint for attempted murder. The incident is one of 24 under investigation by the IGPN internal police watchdog linked to the policing of a wave of pupil unrest over school conditions.
The police officer involved in Eden's case was placed under formal investigation on charges of assault by a public official resulting in permanent disability or disfigurement. According to the prosecutor's office, the officer claimed he was seeking to protect himself and his colleagues after the pupil confronted police. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu described the demonstrations as the most violent in decades.
The police response has renewed calls for the withdrawal of 'less lethal' weapons such as rubber bullets and grenade launchers. These have been repeatedly criticised by rights groups, including Amnesty International and UN human rights experts, as dangerous and disproportionate. The use of such weapons has resulted in 28 documented cases of injuries, including two cases of eye loss or injury.
Interior minister Laurent Nunez suspended the use of stun grenades pending an investigation into a case where a 15-year-old had his hand blown off. Nunez said about 200 pupils had been injured, but that it was rarely the result of police action. Authorities reported 700 police officers injured, schools burnt or ransacked, and 6,877 people arrested, mostly minors.
Researcher Sebastian Roche at the French National Centre for Scientific Research stated that France stands out in Europe for its use of 'less lethal' weapons. He noted that such weapons are generally not used for public order policing in countries like Britain, Italy, and Germany. Roche described the level of injuries as unknown in France's contemporary history.
Human rights advocates, including Amnesty International, and some politicians have called for a ban on 'less lethal' weapons. Police unions, however, argue that these weapons are necessary to enforce order in violent situations and ensure police security. Mayor Bally Bagayoko of the France Unbowed party joined protests, saying he wanted to protect young people from the police.
The incidents have sparked anger among the public and fanned support for a protest movement against President Emmanuel Macron's government. The controversy highlights deep-seated discontent with the government's policies, ahead of a 2027 election.
Key points
- The use of 'less lethal' weapons by French police has resulted in multiple injuries and renewed calls for their withdrawal.
- The incidents have sparked widespread criticism of police tactics and calls for reform.
- The controversy has fanned support for a protest movement against President Emmanuel Macron's government.
