France Draws 250,000 in Education Protests as Police Response Triggers 10 Misconduct Probes
Updated
Updated · Al Jazeera English · Oct 6
France Draws 250,000 in Education Protests as Police Response Triggers 10 Misconduct Probes
3 articles · Updated · Al Jazeera English · Oct 6
Summary
At least 250,000 students, teachers and parents marched across France on Tuesday, turning school blockades that began on September 17 in Creteil into a nationwide protest over public education conditions.
Protesters say dilapidated buildings, teacher and staff shortages, overcrowded classrooms and unequal resources in poorer suburbs have left schools neglected for years.
More than 6,000 protesters have been arrested since the unrest began, 85% of them under 18, while officials say 210 teenagers and 715 police officers have been wounded.
The police response is under growing scrutiny: France's watchdog has opened at least 10 misconduct investigations, and Amnesty International warned over tear gas, batons, restraint techniques and rubber bullets.
A five-point reform plan announced after Education Minister Edouard Geffray met student leaders on October 2 failed to calm the movement, with protesters already pointing to a larger October 17 demonstration.