France braces for national day of school protests after injuries and mass arrests
France prepares for a day of protests in support of students who’ve been demanding more investment in education.
Last week, Eden, 14, was badly hurt in Saint-Ouen-l'Aumône after reportedly being struck on the head by a tear gas grenade.
The student suffered "a double jaw fracture" and had to undergo "extremely major surgery", according to his lawyer.
Speaking at a news conference on Monday, Eden's mother said her heart was "shattered".
"It's shameful, it's appalling, it's violent, it's horrific," French media outlet BFMTV reported her as saying.
"This should not happen. They are dealing with children who are asking for better conditions in which to study."
Among the 5,060 people arrested since the start of the movement, 87% were minors and 13% were adults, according to France's justice ministry, external.
Fourteen people have reportedly been placed in pre-trial detention, while 1,802 people are facing prosecution, including 319 adults and 1,483 minors.
The USL has accused police of using excessive force against the protesters. Responding to this allegation last week, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said the demonstrations had been policed in "an extremely proportionate manner".
