Friday, October 9, 2026 - France has suspended the use of stun grenades by police at high-school student protests following a devastating incident in which a 15-year-old boy lost his hand in Lens, northern France. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced the temporary suspension on October 7, 2026, pending clarification of the circumstances surrounding the injury.
The decision comes amid growing public concern over police tactics as demonstrations demanding better school conditions and increased education funding continue to spread across the country.
The incident has intensified scrutiny of law enforcement, with students and rights advocates raising concerns about the use of force against young demonstrators. French authorities have opened 18 investigations into alleged police misconduct during the protests.
More than 500 schools were reported fully or partially disrupted on October 7, while demonstrations have drawn students, parents, teachers and trade unions. Protesters are demanding improvements to school facilities, action on teacher shortages and better learning conditions. Meanwhile, officials are investigating the circumstances of the teenager’s injury, with conflicting accounts initially emerging about how the grenade exploded.
The suspension marks a significant development in France’s response to the unrest, placing police accountability and student safety at the centre of the national debate. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has promised to review students’ demands and present proposals by the end of October, although specific measures remain unclear.
With further demonstrations planned, pressure is mounting on the government to address education concerns while ensuring public safety. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether official investigations and promised reforms can help ease tensions and restore confidence among students and their families.
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