Severed hand, blindness, and broken teeth: Allegations of severe police violence in French protests

Lawyers and human rights organizations in France are accusing the police of severe violence against teenagers during school protests, including injuries such as severed hands, blindness, and jaw fractures. Authorities are investigating 36 allegations of police violence, and since the protests began, 6,773 minors have been arrested.

Lawyers and human rights organizations in France are accusing the police of severe violence against teenagers during school protests, now in their fourth week. According to a report in The Guardian, authorities are investigating 36 allegations of police violence, including four cases of physical mutilation by explosive means. Among the severe cases: Evan, 15, lost his left hand from a stun grenade explosion in Lens; Aden, 14, was seriously injured in the face by a grenade launcher in Saint-Ouen-l'Aumône, suffering jaw fractures and broken teeth; and Mal, 16, lost vision in one eye in Tours. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez provided data in the Senate amid concerns over an unprecedented number of minors in custody. Since mid-September, 6,773 minors have been arrested, of whom over 1,000 were not charged. Lawyers argue that some arrests were intended to deter young people from participating in protests. The injuries echo those documented during the Yellow Vest protests.