French PM Defends Police Response Amid Teen Injuries in Protests

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has defended the police's actions during recent student protests, stating that "accidents happen" following reports of teenagers sustaining severe injuries. The comments came as Lecornu pushed back against accusations of police brutality or state repression.

In parliament, Lecornu argued that the term "police brutality" implies intentional use of force, whereas he believes police action is triggered by "urban violence." He acknowledged that accidental injuries could occur during such events.

The protests, which began in mid-September, have escalated nationwide, with tens of thousands participating. According to the Interior Ministry, 266,000 people demonstrated across France on Tuesday, including 56,000 in Paris. While the Paris demonstration was largely peaceful, smaller groups clashed with riot police.

Reports indicate that over 6,500 individuals were arrested, many of whom were minors, and hundreds were injured. The government has also reported that 215 students and 85 school staff members have been injured, alongside 715 police officers.

Incidents of severe injury have drawn particular attention. In one case, a 15-year-old boy reportedly lost a hand due to an exploding police grenade. A prosecutor stated that it remained unclear whether the student had picked up the grenade or if it was thrown at him. In another incident in Tours, a 16-year-old lost sight in one eye after being struck by a projectile, which a prosecutor suggested may have been fired from a sub-lethal riot-control weapon used by police.

Lecornu and Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez have maintained that police actions were proportionate and within their authority, often citing urban violence, arson, and vandalism as the catalysts for police response. Nuñez stated that the police response was proportionate in "almost all cases."

President Emmanuel Macron convened an emergency meeting with senior ministers to address the ongoing protests and their potential political ramifications. The government faces pressure from opposition parties, including France Unbowed, which Lecornu accused of exploiting the student protests for political gain ahead of next year's presidential election.

Legislators from the center-left Socialist group plan to introduce legislation aimed at restricting the use of sub-lethal riot-control weapons during student demonstrations, citing the potential for irreversible injuries. Lecornu expressed hope that a political response could address the "very real anxiety" among high school students.