Hundreds of students and teachers injured as nationwide protests over school conditions turn violent. Over 215 students and 715 police officers have been injured in clashes since the movement began. Thousands of students, trade unionists, and parents have taken to the streets across France.
Protests began at a Paris high school in late September, with students blocking school entrances and demanding better learning conditions. Demonstrators have clashed with riot police, with some incidents involving tear gas and excessive force. At least 24 schools have been burned or ransacked since the movement began.
The government has launched 10 internal investigations into alleged police brutality and is pushing legislation to make those responsible for damaging public property pay for repairs. Over 5,000 people, 87% of them minors, have been arrested since the protests began.
Differences exist in reported numbers of injuries and arrests, with the government citing 215 students and 715 officers injured, while unions and rights groups highlight the severity of police actions, including one 15-year-old who lost a hand to a stun grenade.