Lens:Protests by high school students in France, which have been escalating since late September, have highlighted significant issues regarding public order and human rights. The demonstrations initially stemmed from discontent over teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, and inadequate school conditions. However, the protests have now sparked debate over the violence at some events and the severity of police intervention.
According to Azeri-Press news agency, from September 21 to October 5, a total of 24 educational institutions were set on fire or seriously damaged, with hundreds injured, including 78 education workers. More than 5,000 individuals have been detained, 85% of whom are minors. The number of detentions rapidly increased, with significant figures recorded from September 28 to October 1. This highlights both the scale of the protests and the extensive law enforcement response.
The involvement of minors in these protests raises important legal considerations. While maintaining public order is crucial, there must be appropriate legal safeguards during the detention and questioning of minors. The state’s response must adhere to principles of necessity, legality, and proportionality, especially in handling children and teenagers during these demonstrations.
Police tactics, including the use of tear gas, grenades, and batons, have come under scrutiny. A particularly serious incident occurred in Lens, where a 15-year-old student lost a hand due to a grenade explosion, raising questions about the safety and regulation of police methods during protests.
The lack of response from international human rights organizations, such as Human Rights Watch and Reporters Without Borders, is striking. Despite the scale and severity of the events in France, these organizations have not issued statements addressing the police intervention during the protests. This silence contrasts with their quick reactions to incidents in countries like Azerbaijan, suggesting possible double standards in their approach to human rights violations.
The detention of thousands, the prevalent use of police force, and serious injuries sustained by minors are significant issues that warrant international attention. The absence of a response raises questions about the consistency and impartiality of human rights organizations. If human rights protection is truly a universal principle, it should be applied consistently across all nations, without political or geographical bias.