People taking part in France’s social movement have suffered serious injuries during a month of protests, according to an investigation by Le Monde. The newspaper reports that injuries became more numerous after the demonstrations peaked on October 17 and examines the use of weapons and the responsibility of law-enforcement forces.
Among those interviewed is Brice B., 27, who travelled from Seine-et-Marne to demonstrate in Paris on October 17. Shortly after 6 p.m., near Place de la République, he was sheltering beside a restaurant as police and people described as rioters clashed and projectiles were thrown.
A grenade exploded near him at the start of Boulevard Voltaire, burning his arm. Brice said he removed his jacket and saw a hole in his arm, which was bleeding. After he fainted, he was treated and taken to hospital. A surgeon removed a metal fragment from the grenade; Brice kept it, Le Monde reports.
The available portion of the investigation does not provide further details about the other victims or the broader findings on the use of weapons and police responsibility.
Sources: Le Monde Politique.