French Police Officer Charged for Tear Gas Grenade Attack on Teen Student

A French policeman has been charged with violence after firing a tear gas grenade at close range at a 14-year-old student during high school protests that have shaken the country. The incident, which took place amid widespread demonstrations, has sparked outrage and renewed calls for a ban on so-called less-lethal weapons. Speaking with FRANCE 24's Mark Owen, Fanny Gallois, Head of the Freedoms Program at Amnesty International, expressed deep concern over the case, stating that "these cases of serious injuries related to the use of so-called less-lethal weapons commonly used in France are specifically worrying because we've been asking for their ban for years." Gallois emphasized that the use of such weapons against minors is particularly alarming and that the incident is part of a broader pattern of excessive force by law enforcement during protests. She noted that Amnesty International has documented numerous instances where these weapons have caused severe injuries, sometimes leading to permanent disability or death. The charging of the officer marks a rare instance of accountability, but activists argue that systemic reforms are needed to prevent future abuses. The case has intensified the debate in France over policing tactics and the balance between maintaining public order and protecting human rights. As protests continue, the incident serves as a flashpoint for discussions about the appropriate use of force and the need for stricter regulations on crowd-control weapons.