Thousands of students protested on Thursday in Place de la Bastille in Paris, continuing the nationwide student protests in France.
Gathering at Place de la Bastille
A large crowd of students climbed the famous Bastille monument, with some holding the French flag and singing the national anthem. Released images show riot police charging at protesters with batons in an effort to clear the square.
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Police and Protester Confrontation
On Thursday morning, students blocked the Helen Boucher school in northeastern Paris using trash bins, prompting police to disperse the gathering with tear gas. While students were gathered at the school, riot police were stationed on the side streets. Many protesters wore surgical masks or hoodies to avoid identification.
This school has become a hotspot for clashes in the French capital and is one of hundreds of schools affected by the protests on Thursday. Although most demonstrations were peaceful, some protesters set fire to and vandalized bus shelters.
Police Response and Criticism
In response to these incidents, police used tear gas, batons, and explosive projectiles. Human rights and children's groups criticized the excessive use of force by officers. Following an incident in which a teenager lost a hand, the government suspended the use of stun grenades for crowd control starting Wednesday.
Since late September, when students, most of whom are under 18, protested for increased education funding, police have arrested over 6,600 individuals. According to the Ministry of the Interior, the government will soon provide quick and specific responses to these protests.
However, student protest leaders stated that these measures are insufficient and called for more gatherings. In a televised speech, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu emphasized the damage caused by violence and vandalism and expressed hope that effective solutions would be presented soon.
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