MANY MINDEDFrance pauses stun grenades after student protest injuries
France’s government requested a temporary suspension of stun grenades for student protests on Monday, October 6, 2026, after a 15-year-old boy suffered hand amputation during clashes near Auguste Béhal high school in Lens that day. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez stated the measure would remain in effect until authorities clarify the incident’s circumstances. The suspension follows weeks of protests where 250,000+ people participated, 30,000 pupils faced school closures, and over 200 individuals reported injuries. Police watchdog investigations into conduct during demonstrations have opened 18 cases, while student unions documented 450,000 protesters. The move directly addresses trauma risks for youth, reducing immediate physical harm from police tactics—a critical advance in care for students exposed to violence. However, the suspension’s duration remains tied to unresolved facts about the Lens incident, and protest numbers diverge between government and student union reports. Authorities describe the incident as having 'unclear circumstances,' meaning the suspension’s full impact on police violence reduction depends on ongoing clarification.
Source: BBC World