More than 6,500 people, mostly minors, have been arrested during more than two weeks of protests, officials said, including 488 on Tuesday. Organizers put turnout at Tuesday's gatherings at nearly half a million as teachers, parents and unions joined students demanding action on staff shortages, overcrowded classrooms and inadequate facilities.
Students, parent groups and Amnesty International have accused authorities of using disproportionate force against minors. Authorities reported fires, property damage and attacks on staff and police, while the government said outsiders had hijacked the movement and some protests had deteriorated into urban violence.