French police accused over war-like injuries to teenagers in school protests
Four children allegedly ‘mutilated’ by explosive weapons and lawyers say unprecedented number held in custody
TL;DR
- Several teenagers have allegedly suffered severe injuries, described as 'war-like,' from police weapons, including explosive devices, during school protests in France.
- An unprecedented number of children, over 6,700 under-18s, have been arrested and placed in police custody since the protests began.
- Lawyers report that some teenagers held in custody have alleged being hit, racially insulted, humiliated, or verbally abused by police.
- Internal investigations are being conducted into 36 allegations of police violence against demonstrators, including cases of alleged mutilation by explosive weapons.
- Concerns are raised by lawyers and rights groups regarding potential misuse of police powers and the large number of arrests that do not result in formal charges, suggesting a tactic to deter protest.
- Specific cases include a 15-year-old who lost a hand from a stun grenade, a 14-year-old who suffered extensive facial injuries from a grenade launcher, and a 16-year-old who allegedly lost the use of an eye from a rubber-bullet launcher.