France student protests latest: 50,000 set to demonstrate across Paris today as violent displays escalate

'We are effectively maiming young people' - expert questions France's response to student protestsStudent protests have gripped France as thousands have rallied in increasingly violent demonstrations, which are expected to hit a peak today. Young people have united together against staff shortages and dilapidated school buildings in widespread protests over the last week. Teenage students stood on barricades made of trash cans in front of `schools from Lille in the north to Marseille in the south, and from Strasbourg in the east to Nantes in the west. In Paris they held up banners reading "We want to be heard, not teargassed" and "Our future is not optional".The government responded with riot ⁠police, saying the movement had now morphed into urban violence. In one violent protest, a 15-year-old student had their hand blown off after picking up a stun grenade being used by police, local authorities said.France's Justice Ministry said 5,060 people have been arrested since the protests ‌began, with 87 per cent of them minors. The protests began in late September at a high school in a Paris suburb over teacher shortages before spreading nationwide.Watch: 'I could feel the petrol dripping': The violent attacks that have marred France school protests'I could feel the petrol dripping': The violent attacks that have marred France school protestsMaryam Zakir-Hussain6 October 2026 09:18How many people have been arrested? France's Justice Ministry said 5,060 people have been arrested since the protests ‌began, with 87 per cent of them minors. More than 1,800 people are being prosecuted, including 1,483 ​minors, the ministry said, without specifying the crimes. It said 790 cases had been dismissed.At least 715 police officers and 215 teenagers have been injured in clashes, according to Lecornu's office. Six months before an election to replace Macron, his government and the ⁠far-right National Rally, led by presidential frontrunner Marine Le Pen, have accused hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) lawmakers and mayors of stoking the protests. ‌The LFI denies the accusation.Maryam Zakir-Hussain6 October 2026 09:18In pictures: Students start to gather for today's protestStudents have started to gather for today’s protest, which is expected to the biggest demonstration yet. Up to 50,000 protestors are expected, French media has reported. Banners which say “Listen to them” and “Young people in anger” were seen held by the students. (AP)(AP)(AP)(AP)Maryam Zakir-Hussain6 October 2026 09:1550,000 set to demonstrate across Paris today as violent displays escalateYoung people have united together against staff shortages and dilapidated school buildings in widespread protests over the last week. Teenage students stood on barricades made of trash cans in front of `schools from Lille in the north to Marseille in the south, and from Strasbourg in the east to Nantes in the west. In Paris they held up banners reading "We want to be heard, not teargassed" and "Our future is not optional".Maryam Zakir-Hussain6 October 2026 09:10