UN Raises Concerns Over Student Protest Crackdown in France as Government Denies Repression Claims

UN Raises Concerns Over Student Protest Crackdown in France as Government Denies Repression Claims
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The United Nations has expressed concern over escalating violence and mass arrests during ongoing student protests in France, urging authorities to respect the right to peaceful assembly and avoid excessive use of force.

The protests began in Paris suburbs and spread nationwide over concerns about deteriorating education conditions, including overcrowded classrooms, poor infrastructure and shortages of substitute teachers. Demonstrations led to the closure of hundreds of high schools and clashes between protesters and police, with incidents of property damage reported.

Criticism of police conduct intensified after several students suffered serious injuries during the unrest. The French government, however, rejected accusations of repression, with Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu calling claims of political orders to suppress protests “false.”

Lecornu said that 6,629 people had been detained since the demonstrations began on September 28, while hundreds of police officers, students and teachers were injured. Authorities have also opened 18 investigations into incidents linked to the unrest.

Student and labor groups are planning further demonstrations and a nationwide strike, raising concerns that tensions could continue to escalate.