France braces for mass school protests and over 5,000 arrests

France is bracing for major demonstrations on Tuesday as organizers call for a nationwide day of action to support students demanding increased investment in the country's education system.

The wave of unrest follows a week of intense protests that saw students blockade hundreds of schools across the nation. The demonstrations have resulted in at least 190 student injuries and more than 5,000 arrests. What began in September as high school demonstrations in Paris over overcrowded classrooms, dilapidated buildings, and teacher shortages has since spread nationwide and drawn university students into the fold.

Violence during the confrontations has led to severe injuries. On Monday, a 15-year-old boy had his hand blown off during a clash near a school in the northern city of Lens, though his injury is not considered life-threatening. Last week, a 14-year-old student named Eden was badly hurt in Saint-Ouen-l'Aumône after reportedly being struck in the head by a tear gas grenade.

"This should not happen. They are dealing with children who are asking for better conditions in which to study."

Local Protester

According to France's justice ministry, out of the 5,060 people arrested since the movement began, 87% were minors and 13% were adults. Fourteen individuals have been placed in pre-trial detention, while 1,802 face prosecution, including 319 adults and 1,483 minors. Education Minister Édouard Geffray also reported that 24 schools have been burned and ransacked since the protests started.