‘I am still traumatised’: French police accused of brutalising minors
French police are facing serious allegations of using excessive force against student protesters, including minors, during recent demonstrations. Reports detail injuries caused by batons, tear gas, and rubber bullets, sparking concerns about state-sanctioned violence.
Why it matters
The escalation of police tactics against youth protesters highlights growing civil unrest and a deepening divide between the French government and its younger citizens.
French police face allegations of excessive force against student protesters, with injuries to minors deepening mistrust between authorities and youth.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info French police officers in riot during protests in Paris [File: Dimitar Dilkoff/AFP] By Virginia Pietromarchi Published On 21 Oct 2026 21 Oct 2026 Paris, France — Enzo, 17, said a police officer grabbed his arm as another struck him from behind with a baton. With his head covered in blood, he was hospitalised and needed stitches.
Eden, a 14-year-old, cannot talk right now. His jaw was smashed after a police officer fired a tear gas grenade at his face in Saint-Ouen-l’Aumone.
Mael, 16, cannot see from her right eye after being struck by a rubber-bullet launcher fired by the police.
Headlinne story · 8 newsrooms
France Deploys 70000 Police Officers as Fresh Nationwide Protests Begin
What every outlet reported, where they differ, and how each framed it →
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in