French students resume protests as a policing expert defends officers’ weapons

High school and university students resumed protests and blockades across France on October 13, calling it the fifth round of a movement that began more than three weeks earlier.

Demonstrations took place in cities including Paris, Nantes, Lyon and Marseille, with Swedish activist Greta Thunberg joining young people in Saint-Denis.

The protesters say they received too little and have criticized what they describe as a violent police response, with footage circulating on social media.

Former gendarmerie general Richard Caminade said police and gendarmes need weapons and other force options to respond to attacks, but improper police conduct is not excusable.

He said officers should use force with judgment and in proportion to the situation, especially when dealing with young people.

Caminade said more than 700 police officers had been injured since the movement began, and noted that France has more serious injuries and lasting disabilities at protests than other European countries.

He said the political authorities decide how protests are handled, while the police carry out orders to maintain public order.