Clashes in Paris as student protest over school funding turns violent
A demonstration by school pupils in Paris demanding more education funding ended in clashes with riot police. The protests span France, and police tactics are drawing growing criticism.
Clashes broke out in Paris on Tuesday at the close of a demonstration by school pupils calling for greater funding for education.
Footage shows riot police firing tear gas while some protesters hurl objects and fireworks. White smoke spread across Place de la Nation. Police and demonstrators confronted each other in the streets as officers moved to disperse the crowd.
A nationwide movement
The Paris march was part of action taking place across the country. Participants point to staff shortages in schools, deteriorating school buildings and a lack of basic resources.
Official figures put turnout at more than 250,000 people nationwide, including 56,000 in the capital.
Scrutiny of police tactics
The unrest has sharpened criticism of how police are handling the demonstrations, following serious injuries suffered by several teenagers.
The source does not provide details on the circumstances of those injuries or how many people were hurt.
