Hundreds arrested in French school protests
Hundreds arrested in French school protests
Mass protests over decrepit conditions at France’s high schools descended into sporadic violence on Tuesday (Oct 6), leading to nearly 500 arrests and prompting French President Emmanuel Macron to call an emergency meeting.
Students have blocked entrances to hundreds of French high schools since late September, demanding action over dilapidated facilities and teacher shortages. Parents, teachers and union workers have since joined the movement.
The interior ministry said 256,000 people protested nationwide, while union organisers put the figure at 450,000.
At a major public square in Paris, protesters gathered beneath banners demanding better-funded schools. Tensions flared as some demonstrators threw rocks at riot police, who responded with tear gas.
Rights groups, unions and students have accused authorities of disproportionate force. A teenager lost a hand after police fired a stun grenade, while a 14-year-old lost several teeth after being hit by a tear gas grenade.
