Student protests have spiraled into violence, with schools set on fire, clashes breaking out and hundreds of schools forced to close as unrest spreads.
The demonstrations began over complaints about school conditions, including overcrowded classrooms, staff shortages and deteriorating buildings. But what started as student protests has increasingly involved fires, blockades and clashes with police.
In one of the most serious incidents, a fire broke out at a high school after protesters gathered outside the building. Other schools were also targeted by arson attacks, while some protesters clashed with police during attempts to clear blockades.
At another school, two teachers were splashed with petrol when a student attempted to throw gasoline into a rubbish bin, according to Reuters.
The incident was initially described by prosecutors as an assault in which the teachers were doused with petrol.
The unrest has also affected emergency services. Protesters attacked a fire truck in one city, forcing firefighters to flee before the vehicle was set alight. Authorities have reported injuries among police, firefighters and protesters during the unrest.
By Oct. 2, around 400 high schools had been closed because of the protests, while authorities said roughly 2,000 people had been arrested since the demonstrations began. Many of those detained were minors.
Officials have urged schools to switch to remote learning where blockades or damage make it unsafe to hold classes normally.The unrest continues as authorities work to contain the violence and students maintain their demands over conditions in the education system, with the turmoil unfolding across France.
The demonstrations continue as authorities try to contain the violence while students maintain their demands over conditions in the education system.