France Stops Using Stun Grenades After Boy Injured in Protests

France has halted the use of stun grenades by police following an incident in which a teenage boy lost his hand during student protests, according to a BBC report.

The decision follows complaints from several groups accusing police of using disproportionate force against teenagers participating in the demonstrations.

Stun grenades, also known as flash-bang devices, emit a loud noise and intense flash of light. They are typically used by law enforcement to disorient crowds without causing lethal harm, though they can still cause serious physical injury when they detonate too close to a person.

In this case, a stun grenade reportedly exploded near the boy, resulting in the loss of his hand — an injury that drew significant public attention and outrage.

The use of such force against young demonstrators has sparked criticism from multiple organisations, which argue that police tactics were excessive given the circumstances of the protests.

These complaints appear to have played a key role in prompting the French government's decision to suspend the use of the devices.

The move marks a notable shift in French policing policy, particularly concerning how authorities manage protests involving minors or young people.

While the summary does not specify the exact nature or cause of the student protests, it highlights a broader pattern of concern regarding police tactics used during demonstrations across France in recent years.

This is not the first time French policing methods during protests have come under scrutiny. Critics have previously raised concerns about the proportionality of force used in various demonstrations, including those involving environmental activists and labour disputes.

The decision to stop using stun grenades may represent a broader reassessment of crowd-control methods by French authorities, though it remains unclear whether additional measures will follow.

Observers will likely watch closely to see how police forces adapt their approach to managing future protests without this tool, and whether similar policy changes might be considered in other countries facing comparable criticism.