France has stopped using sound grenades in student protests. This decision was made following reports of police violence in recent demonstrations. Laurent Nunez, the French interior minister, stated in an interview with a radio network that this action is taken to investigate recent events more thoroughly.
Details of the halt on sound grenade usage
Laurent Nunez emphasized in this interview that "I am halting the use of sound grenades in high school student protests until the facts of this incident are clarified." This temporary halt is only related to student protests and is aimed at better understanding the situation.
Factors influencing decision-making
This decision was made in response to rising public anger due to reports of serious injuries to teenagers during protests. For example, the local newspaper "La Voix du Nord" reported that a ١٥-year-old teenager lost his hand and part of his forearm after an explosion of a sound grenade he was near.
Additionally, last week a ١٤-year-old student in northwestern Paris was injured in the jaw due to tear gas fire, and the officer involved has been charged in connection with this incident. Such incidents have raised serious concerns about how police handle protesters.
Social and political implications
The decision to halt the use of sound grenades not only reflects sensitivity to student protests but may also have political ramifications. This action was taken ahead of Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu's speech to protesters on Wednesday. Lecornu is expected to speak directly with the protesters and address their concerns.
Given the existing sensitivities and criticisms of police behavior, the French government may face greater challenges in managing these protests. Analysts believe that this decision could help reduce tensions in the short term, but there remains a need for serious review and reforms in police handling methods.
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