Politics · France · 1 hr ago
France suspends one stun grenade but police keep using another
France has suspended the EF-SON stun grenade after a 15-year-old student lost his hand in Lens on October 5.
The Interior Ministry announced the temporary suspension on October 7.
Police can still use the GL-304, another stun grenade introduced in 2025.
It was used at Place de la Bastille in Paris on October 6 and lightly injured two people.
The two grenades are used differently: the EF-SON is fired from a launcher, while the GL-304 is thrown by hand.
France adopted the GL-304 after banning hand-thrown GM2L grenades in 2021 because they had caused several mutilations.
The GL-304 remains available to law enforcement as protests by high school students continue and the government awaits a possible political resolution.
France has suspended the EF-SON stun grenade after a 15-year-old student lost his hand in Lens on October 5.
Police can still use the GL-304, a different stun grenade made by Brazilian company Condor.
The GL-304 was used during demonstrations in Paris on October 6 and 8.
Two people were lightly injured when it was used at Place de la Bastille on October 6.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced the temporary EF-SON suspension on October 7.
- Who
- French police and demonstrators, including high school protesters.
- What
- France suspended use of the EF-SON stun grenade, while police continue to have access to the GL-304.
- When
- The EF-SON was suspended on October 7. The GL-304 was used on October 6 and 8.
- Where
- Lens, northern France, and demonstrations in Paris, including Place de la Bastille.
- Why
- The EF-SON is suspected of causing a 15-year-old student's hand injury. The GL-304 remains available to police.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
A 15-year-old student lost his hand in Lens in an incident suspected to involve the EF-SON.
Police used a GL-304 at Place de la Bastille, lightly injuring two people.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced the temporary suspension of the EF-SON.
Demonstrators in Paris saw the GL-304 used.
- Suspended model
- EF-SON
- Still available model
- GL-304
- Injury in Lens
- A 15-year-old student lost his hand on October 5
- GL-304 injuries
- Two people were lightly injured at Place de la Bastille on October 6
- GL-304 manufacturer
- Condor, a Brazilian company











