Stories
France Suspends New Stun Grenade After Teen Loses Hand in Nationwide School Protests
- •France has provisionally suspended the use of the new-generation EF-SON stun grenade following an incident in Lens where a 15-year-old high school student suffered severe hand injuries during protests.
- •The suspension was ordered by national police director general Louis Laugier and confirmed by Interior Minister Laurent Nunez pending an investigation by the French police oversight body IGPN.
- •Widespread protests and school blockades have erupted across France, with over 500 schools fully or partially shut and dozens vandalized amid growing anger over police brutality and education cuts.
- •Student agitation stems from deep-rooted grievances including overcrowded classrooms, severe teacher shortages, unfulfilled staffing positions, and inadequate infrastructure in aging school buildings.
- •While nationwide unrest unfolded, President Emmanuel Macron faced criticism for testing a new ballistic missile and remaining largely silent before summoning top officials to address the crisis.
Key Questions Answered
French authorities temporarily suspended the EF-SON stun grenade after a 15-year-old high school student suffered severe injuries and lost his hand during protests in Lens. The suspension will remain in place until an investigation by the IGPN and French police officials clarifies the exact circumstances of the incident.
Students are demonstrating against chronic underfunding and deteriorating educational conditions, including severely overcrowded classrooms with up to 40 pupils, chronic teacher shortages leading to missing instruction, and aging school buildings lacking proper climate control.
Riot police deployed tear gas, water cannons, and tactical munitions to clear improvised blockades outside schools, while the police oversight body launched multiple probes into allegations of disproportionate force during the unrest.
