In the French city of Lens, a 15-year-old teenager lost his hand and part of his forearm during clashes between participants in school protests and police. He picked up a police grenade that exploded. The incident occurred on October 5, on the eve of a nationwide student action, Reuters reports. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.

Authorities did not disclose the exact circumstances of the incident.

The protests began in September in disadvantaged suburbs of Paris and then spread across the country. Students are protesting against insufficient funding, overcrowded classes and dilapidated school buildings.

The movement has continued for a third week. A nationwide action is planned for October 6. On the eve, between 400 and 500 schools were fully or partially blocked.

"We will continue to block streets until the government hears us," said an 18-year-old protest participant.

According to the French Ministry of Justice, 5,060 people have been detained since the start of the protests, 87% of whom are minors.

More than 1,800 people are under investigation, including 1,483 minors. Another 790 cases were closed. The ministry did not specify the nature of the alleged offenses.

Education Minister Edouard Geffray reported that about two dozen schools were burned or looted. According to his data, 78 teachers and at least 190 students were injured.

Human rights organizations criticize the use of batons, tear gas and grenades against minors to disperse demonstrations.

Authorities are investigating several episodes of police actions. One of them concerns an eye injury to a 16-year-old teenager. His friends claim he was injured after police used rubber bullets.

The government states that the protests have escalated into violence. Clashes with police occurred in Lille, Toulouse and Paris.

At the Lycee Vauquelin in Paris, a group of people in masks and hoods tried to break through the entrance and then set fire to the door. The school was evacuated and classes were suspended.

"Our priority is restoring order," said government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon.

The Ministry of Education plans to launch a platform for student appeals and prepare measures for individual schools. Authorities expect to resume classes in affected institutions on October 7.

In addition, on October 27, the government intends to fast-track a bill on the financial responsibility of minors who damage property, or their parents.