‘This is state violence’: Paris students rage at politicians and heavy-handed policing

Unprecedented protests that began in low-income banlieue are turning ugly, with investigations under way into police brutality

‘This is state violence’: Paris students rage at politicians and heavy-handed policing

TL;DR

  • Hundreds of French teenagers built barricades outside a Paris high school to protest against underfunding and inequality.
  • Accusations of disproportionate police force against students have led to injuries and investigations into alleged brutality.
  • The protest movement has spread across France, highlighting issues like teacher shortages and crumbling school buildings.
  • Thousands have been arrested, a significant majority of whom are minors.
  • Students are also protesting against the rise of the far-right and expressing concerns about the mental health crisis among young people.