UN experts sound alarm at excessive use of force in French student protests
Summary
UN human rights experts criticized France’s response to nationwide student protests, saying mass arrests and injuries to minors raised concerns about the use of force and the right to peaceful assembly. The protests began over school conditions and grew to include anger about the cost of living and government policies.Key Facts
- Four UN experts said arrests and detentions affecting several thousand people, mainly minors, appeared disproportionate.
- The experts said a security-focused response had pushed students’ demands into the background.
- Student protests have continued since mid-September, starting with complaints about deteriorating school buildings, crowded classrooms and teacher absences.
- France’s Interior Ministry said 410,000 people protested nationwide on Saturday and authorities deployed 70,000 security personnel and arrested 1,000 people.
- The previous week, authorities arrested 2,700 people after public buildings were vandalized and businesses were looted.
- A teenager in Lille lost a hand when a grenade exploded during a clash between school protesters and police.
- The UN experts called injuries to underage demonstrators unacceptable and urged France to review its policing practices.
- The experts said they were in contact with French authorities about the issue.
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