France: school protests escalate, 164 arrested and dozens injured

PARIS, September 28 /ATSH-DPA/ — At least 164 people were arrested and dozens of others injured during protests at high schools across France on Monday, authorities announced.

Students are demanding more funding for school needs and teachers.

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said the protests had affected around 180 schools, mostly in the Créteil and Versailles areas near Paris, but also in other cities such as Lille, Lyon, Grenoble and Nice.

According to preliminary data, 12 members of the security forces were injured.

Eight school staff members, including three principals, as well as around 12 students were also injured.

Minister Nunez said that in many cases the protests were not only about students’ demands but had escalated into acts of violence.

He also announced that police are investigating claims of violence by officials.

Students blocked the entrances of 27 schools on Monday and attempted to block 50 others.

The protests began on Friday. Students are opposing the shortage of teachers and resources in schools, overcrowded classrooms and heavy class schedules.

The protests are expected to continue on Tuesday, the same day a nationwide strike of public sector workers is planned.