Tensions outside a high school in Montbéliard following a student protest

A student protest turned violent Tuesday morning outside the Germaine-Tillion high school in Montbéliard, Doubs, where a teacher was injured during clashes on the sidelines of the demonstration. Between 250 and 300 students had gathered in front of the school to denounce, among other things, the state of the facilities and the lack of response from educational authorities.

According to police, a group of about thirty particularly violent individuals broke away from the main gathering and attacked officers with projectiles and paving stones. Police responded with tear gas to disperse the clashes, which continued into the afternoon with several rubbish bins being set on fire.

Two teenagers placed in police custody

Two 16-year-old minors were arrested and taken into custody for violence, participating in a public gathering, and vandalism. According to the prosecutor's office, neither of the youths attends the high school in question. One resides in Besançon, while the other lives in a group home in Montbéliard and has a prior criminal record.

The university administration confirmed that a teacher was injured in the head during the incidents. However, the exact circumstances remain unclear. A teachers' union claims he was hit by shrapnel from a stun grenade, a claim the police strongly deny. The teacher received stitches at the hospital.