Amnesty International has intensified its calls for the French government to enforce a complete ban on the use of stun grenades in protest policing, following a recent incident that left a teenager severely injured. The human rights organization criticized the French government’s decision to temporarily suspend the use of these devices, deeming it insufficient.
Anne Savinel-Barras, President of Amnesty International France, emphasized that while halting the use of stun grenades during the ongoing high school protests is a promising move, a lasting ban is imperative to prevent further injuries. Highlighting the potential dangers, she pointed to a history of serious injuries linked to these devices.
The call to action follows an incident at the Auguste-Behal vocational high school in Lens, where a 15-year-old protester was gravely injured. While Interior Minister Laurent Nunez announced a halt on using stun grenades during these protests amid an ongoing investigation, differing accounts about the cause of the injury complicate the situation. A police union stated the victim was trying to throw the device back, but a witness claimed it directly struck his hand.
This incident occurred amidst a wave of protests by students demanding reforms concerning inadequate educational facilities and staffing issues. Demonstrations have swept across hundreds of schools since late September, with reports stating participation figures as high as 450,000, according to the High School Student Union.
Amnesty International argues that France needs to revise its current protocols on the use of force, aligning with international human rights standards that advocate for the right to peaceful assembly as endorsed by Article 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). The United Nations’ guidelines stipulate that flash-bang grenades should not be used directly against individuals due to the substantial risk of injury.
The tension between authorities and protesters spotlights France’s long-standing debate over policing methods. Criticism has been voiced by multiple entities, including the French Human Rights League, which accuses police of employing excessive force. This places France at a crossroads in balancing effective law enforcement with upholding international human rights commitments.