In Pas-de-Calais, a high school student sustained a left-hand amputation during a grenade explosion at a protest in Lens. The explosion occurred when a police-deployed grenade, allegedly fired at long range, landed on the ground and was seized by a protester.
The prosecutor of Béthune stated that witness testimony, with one exception, indicated the grenade was fired from approximately 80 meters in accordance with procedure prescribed by regulation. The projectile landed on the ground before exploding after being seized.
The student's attorney, Christine Bouquet-Wattez, rejected claims that her client picked up the grenade. She stated that Evan is the victim, emphasizing that no public order operation can justify an adolescent losing a hand.
The investigation, led by the IGPN, continues to determine whether the student picked up the grenade himself or if it fell on him.
The investigation, led by the IGPN, continues to determine whether the student picked up the grenade himself or if it fell on him. No video footage of the explosion exists to provide definitive visual evidence.
The student's mother filed a complaint for her son's injuries, prompting further review of the circumstances.