Organizers estimated that about 450,000 people demonstrated nationwide on Tuesday as teachers, parents and unions joined students demanding action on staff shortages, overcrowded classrooms and inadequate facilities. Officials said more than 6,500 people, mostly minors, have been arrested during more than two weeks of class boycotts, school blockades and police action.
France suspended police use of stun grenades at student demonstrations on Wednesday after a 15-year-old lost his hand in a grenade explosion in Lens on Monday. Officials said 10 judicial investigations have been opened into police conduct. Students, parent groups and Amnesty International have accused authorities of using disproportionate force against minors, while the government says outsiders have hijacked the movement.