Hundreds of students detained as clashes erupt across French high schools
The interior ministry said 440 people were detained nationwide, two-thirds of which faced police custody. Demonstrations hit 338 schools, with 45 blocked outright. Police reported 48 injuries among officers and several acid attacks, while education officials confirmed at least 10 staff members and multiple pupils were hurt.
On Tuesday evening, the French interior ministry released figures showing 440 arrests across the country, the majority being minors involved in high-school protests. About two-thirds of those detained were placed in police custody, primarily for property damage and assaults on officers. The unrest affected 338 educational establishments, including 45 that were completely blocked, and 46 more that faced attempted blockades.
Police injuries numbered 48, and officials noted seven incidents involving acid-chloride sprays. The education ministry reported that at least ten teachers and several students sustained injuries, some from mortar-type projectiles. Officials condemned the violence as serious and unjustified, while a mayor from Saint-Denis suggested limited legitimacy for youthful protest tactics.
How this story developed
- Sep 28 Education Minister urges calm as high-school blockades turn violent in Île-de-France
- Sep 28 Ministers issued a warning that police will intervene if the blockades become violent.
- Sep 29 Around ten Paris high schools faced blockage attempts on Tuesday with no reported violence or injuries.
Related stories
12 in this thread