France: 500,000 rally in support of student movement, 488 arrested

Paris,
Around 500,000 protesters took part in demonstrations across several French cities on Tuesday in support of the student movement, and 488 people were arrested. According to organizers, the protest has spread nationwide and grown into a major popular movement.
Authorities say the movement has been largely peaceful overall, though violent incidents occurred in some places, including arson, property damage and attacks on staff and police. More than two weeks of class boycotts, school blockades and police action have led to over 6,500 arrests, most of them minors.
The student-led movement began in late September over complaints about staff shortages, overcrowded classrooms and inadequate school facilities. Students say years of underinvestment in education, teacher shortages and dilapidated buildings have seriously damaged the quality of schooling.
Students, parents’ groups and human rights organizations such as Amnesty International have accused the authorities of using disproportionate force against minors. The government’s position is that the protest movement has been hijacked by outside elements and has turned into civil violence in some places.
Two serious incidents of police violence in recent days have further fueled public anger. In one, a 15-year-old boy lost a hand when a grenade exploded during a riot-police operation. In the other, a 16-year-old was injured in the eye by rubber bullets fired by police. Authorities say a total of 10 judicial inquiries have been opened into police conduct.
Observers say the movement is no longer limited to educational demands and has become a symbol of unrest among young people in France and distrust of government policies.