France Suspends Use of Sound Bombs Against Participants in Student Protests

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French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez announced today, Wednesday, the suspension of the use of sound bombs "in the context of high school student protests," following an incident that led to the amputation of a 15-year-old protester's hand.

Nunez said via French radio "RTL" that "I am suspending their use during high school student movements until the truth about the circumstances of this case is clarified."

The minister also announced that the General Inspectorate of Police has initiated investigations into 18 cases so far, while many protesters are denouncing through slogans and banners the actions of security forces, whose members are facing accusations of excessive violence.

For his part, the office of French Prime Minister Sebastian Lecornu announced that he will deliver a public speech on Wednesday evening regarding the student protests taking place in the country, and other issues including public finances. According to his office, Lecornu will address "the situation in high schools, fuel prices, the agricultural crisis, as well as the financial situation of the country."

The protesting students are condemning the deteriorating condition of school buildings, overcrowded classrooms, and the absence of teachers without substitutes. They intend to organize new demonstrations on Thursday, despite the government's call for them to return to educational institutions for dialogue.

Tens of thousands took to the streets across France on Tuesday to demand improvements in high school conditions, prompting President Emmanuel Macron to hold an emergency meeting with Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne and several key ministers to find a solution to the crisis.

The Ministry of the Interior counted around 256,000 demonstrators on Tuesday in France, including high school students, teachers, parents, and union members, with 56,000 in Paris. However, the organizers announced that 450,000 people participated across France, including 100,000 in Paris.

215 students have been injured since the start of the protest movement on September 17 in the Paris area before it spread to other cities.