French Student's Hand Blown Off During Police-Confrontation Protest

According to the prefect of Pas-de-Calais, François-Xavier Lauch, a 15-year-old boy's hand was blown off during a confrontation between police and protesters near a school in France's north-eastern city of Lens on Monday morning.

Lauch confirmed that the student's life was not at risk, following a swift transfer to a nearby hospital. The swift response came as a relief.

However, the situation remains dire, with approximately 500 schools shuttered nationwide on Monday in response to student protests over deteriorating infrastructure and staffing concerns. Clashes with police have marred recent days of demonstrations.

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noting that at the start of the morning, they threw various projectiles at the local police officers who were on site initially. When I say projectiles, I mean stones, fireworks, and mortars, Lauch told French media. Instructions were given by the interdepartmental director of the National Police.

Naturally with my approval, to deploy a company of riot police (CRS) here to maintain order, and it was in this context that this event occurred.

Following a morning of unprecedented incidents, the school administration has made the decision to transition to remote learning immediately, prioritizing the well-being of students and staff. To provide additional support, a dedicated listening and support unit has been established, offering a safe space for those affected by the events to seek guidance and assistance.

A regional prosecutor said an investigation would be carried out by the French police watchdog. The General Inspection of the National Police (IGPN),so all light can be shed on what happened.

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Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez has announced an investigation. Speaking at a news conference on Monday, Eden's mother shared her heart wasshattered". noting that his jaw is wired shut.

He can't eat except through a straw and only liquids, French media outlet BFMTV reported her as saying. It's shameful, it's appalling, it's violent, it's horrific", she said, adding: noting that this should not happen. They are dealing with children who are asking for better conditions in which to study.