Amnesty International raises alarm over police violence against French students amid protests for better conditions
Minors 'must be protected, not beaten with batons,' says human rights group
Amnesty International France has voiced alarm over the use of police violence against French high school students during protests over better learning conditions that have been underway for several days.
"The images of high school students being subjected to violence by law enforcement are extremely concerning. Many of them are minors, children. They must be protected, not beaten with batons," Amnesty wrote on US social media platform X on Thursday.
The group also voiced concern over the high number of arrests while acknowledging that there had been violence by some protesters as well, which it described as "unacceptable."
"But even in these situations, including during arrests, the use of force must remain PROPORTIONATE," Amnesty added.
Amnesty further reported that a 14-year-old was hit by a grenade to the jaw on Monday and lost several of his teeth as a result.
It said grenade launchers should only be used in cases of widespread violence, when no other means are available, and never fired directly at people.
Amnesty also reported that a 14-year-old girl was violently grabbed by the neck by a police officer outside her high school on Tuesday, stressing that chokehold techniques in law enforcement are prohibited.
It also said that many arrests and detentions had been made since the beginning of the blockades, citing 164 on Monday, 440 on Tuesday, and 625 on Wednesday.
"Under international law, the arrest of minors should be a LAST RESORT," Amnesty wrote.
It called on authorities to prioritize dialogue and de-escalation, rather than the use of weapons.
"No, high school students peacefully taking part in mobilizations are not ‘troublemakers.’ High school students are simply fighting for their right to education ... If they are protesting, it is for one thing: to be heard," Amnesty added.
It vowed to always support people "who peacefully demonstrate for their rights."
"Young people who protest should be listened to, not repressed," Amnesty further wrote.
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