French School Protests Disrupt Hundreds; Teen Loses Hand

A 15-year-old lost a hand and part of his lower arm in Lens on Oct. 5, 2026, when a police stun grenade detonated during high-school protest clashes. A police union source said he appeared to have picked up a sting-ball grenade fired by riot officers. Prefect François-Xavier Lauch said 200-250 protesters were hurling objects at police and did not confirm the circumstances; an investigation was opened. Some 400 to 500 high schools were fully or partly closed. Since the prior Monday, 5,000 people have been arrested, 85 percent of them minors. Education Minister Edouard Geffray said 24 schools had been burned or ransacked and 78 teaching staff injured. The protests began Sept. 17 in Creteil over teacher shortages, overcrowding and dilapidated buildings. Maud Bregeon said the priority is to restore order and that 14- to 16-year-olds burning bus shelters or schools raises parental responsibility; a bill making youths or parents financially liable is set for fast-track on Oct. 27. Sophie Binet said the CGT is appalled by the crackdown and will join Tuesday protests to protect students. Nathalie Tehio said police instructions lack restraint directives despite dealing with children. Authorities have not confirmed how the grenade detonated. A 16-year-old eye injury from rubber bullets is under investigation, with larger demonstrations planned Tuesday.