France Suspends Police Use of Stun Grenades at Student Protests

France has suspended the use of stun grenades by police at student protests, following days of nationwide demonstrations demanding increased funding for education, according to Al Jazeera.

The decision comes as Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu prepares to deliver a public address after thousands of students took to the streets across the country to press their demands. The scale of the rallies has put pressure on the government to respond directly to the protesters' concerns.

Stun grenades, which produce a loud bang and bright flash intended to disorient crowds without causing lasting injury, have been used by French police in various crowd-control situations in recent years, drawing criticism from civil liberties groups and protest organizers who argue the devices pose a risk of serious harm.

The student-led protests reflect broader frustration over the state of France's education system, with demonstrators calling for greater investment in schools and universities. The movement has grown in recent days, drawing participants from multiple cities.

Lecornu's forthcoming address is expected to address both the funding demands raised by protesters and the government's approach to policing the demonstrations going forward. Details of his planned announcements have not yet been made public.

The suspension of stun grenade use marks a notable shift in how French authorities are handling the protests, though it remains unclear whether the change will be permanent or specific to the current wave of demonstrations.