France Suspends Use of Stun Grenades in Protests After Teen Injured

The French government has suspended the use of stun grenades by police in response to a serious injury sustained by a teenager during student protests in Lens, northern France. The decision was announced by Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, who stated that the suspension would remain in place until the circumstances of the incident are clarified ^[1][2].

The incident occurred on Monday, October 5, 2026, when a 15-year-old boy lost his hand during a protest. The protests, which began in late September, were organized by students to address issues such as dilapidated school facilities, teacher shortages, and overcrowded classes ^[3][4].

The stun grenade involved in the incident is identified as the EF-SON, a new-generation device used by French law enforcement since the summer of 2025 ^[5]. Following the incident, eighteen internal police investigations have been launched to examine alleged misconduct during the protests ^[1][6].

On Tuesday, more than a quarter of a million people, including students, parents, teachers, and unionists, participated in demonstrations across the country, demanding improvements in school conditions ^[3][4].

What Is Known

The French government has confirmed the suspension of stun grenades in response to the injury of a 15-year-old protester. The EF-SON grenade, a recent addition to police equipment, was involved in the incident. The protests have seen significant participation nationwide, highlighting widespread concerns over educational conditions ^[1][3][5].

What Remains Unclear

It remains unconfirmed whether the boy picked up the grenade or was struck by it. Additionally, the exact mechanism of the injury, whether due to a grenade malfunction or improper use, has not been clarified. Allegations of disproportionate force by police have been made by some protest groups but have not been independently verified ^[2][7].