French PM rejects police brutality claims after teens severely injured in protests: 'Accidents happen'

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu defended the police response to student protests, stating that police action is triggered by urban violence and that accidents can occur. His defense comes after a teenager lost a hand due to a police grenade and another lost sight in one eye from a projectile. The government faces pressure amidst nationwide protests demanding better education, resulting in numerous arrests and injuries among students and police.

• French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu defended police actions during student protests, attributing police response to urban violence.
• Two teenagers sustained severe injuries during the protests: one lost a hand from a police grenade, and another lost sight in one eye from a projectile.
• Lecornu stated that ‘accidents can happen’ and rejected accusations of police brutality, suggesting that officers were not instructed to use excessive force.
• The protests, which began in mid-September and spread nationwide, are demanding better funding and learning conditions in schools.
• More than 6,500 people have been arrested, and hundreds have been injured, including students, school staff, and police officers.
• Opposition parties and unions have criticized the police response and are considering legislation to restrict the use of sub-lethal riot-control weapons.
• The Interior Ministry estimated 266,000 people participated in nationwide demonstrations, with 56,000 in Paris.