The movement has disrupted or blocked 1,207 high schools at some point, Education Minister Edouard Geffray told BFMTV. Students are demanding more teachers, better equipment and school renovations, citing overcrowded classrooms, long school days and deteriorating buildings. Protesters set fire to at least two schools, while Interior Minister Laurent Nunez reported seven incidents involving hydrochloric acid thrown at law enforcement officers.
Amnesty International accused French authorities of excessive force against teenage protesters and urged dialogue and de-escalation. "They must be protected, not beaten with batons," the group said. It also described violence by some protesters as "unacceptable" and said police force must remain proportionate. France Unbowed denied allegations that it helped start the movement while expressing solidarity with demonstrators.