French PM rejects police brutality claims after teens severely injured in protests: 'Accidents happen'
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu defended the police response after a teen lost his hand and another was blinded amid student protests.
TL;DR
- French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu defended police actions during student protests, attributing police response to urban violence.
- Two teenagers sustained severe injuries during the protests: one lost a hand from a police grenade, and another lost sight in one eye from a projectile.
- Lecornu stated that 'accidents can happen' and rejected accusations of police brutality, suggesting that officers were not instructed to use excessive force.
- The protests, which began in mid-September and spread nationwide, are demanding better funding and learning conditions in schools.
- More than 6,500 people have been arrested, and hundreds have been injured, including students, school staff, and police officers.
- Opposition parties and unions have criticized the police response and are considering legislation to restrict the use of sub-lethal riot-control weapons.
- The Interior Ministry estimated 266,000 people participated in nationwide demonstrations, with 56,000 in Paris.