ISTANBUL, Oct 2 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- Hundreds of schools were closed and disrupted while mass arrests and injuries were reported across France on Friday as student protests over better learning conditions continued for days, Anadolu Ajansi reported, citing broadcaster BFMTV.
The Ministry of National Education said 564 schools across France were affected on Friday.
Education Minister Edouard Geffray told BFMTV Friday morning that 1,207 high schools were disrupted or blocked at some point during the student mobilisation that has been ongoing for days.
Geffray warned Thursday that the movement “changed in nature” and was “being hijacked by violent groups.”
Strasbourg witnesses clashes
Tensions particularly rose in Strasbourg during the early hours of Friday when the protests outside a high school advanced toward a campus of the University of Strasbourg after protesters were pushed back by law enforcement.
During the protest, numerous mortar fireworks were reportedly heard while gasoline was used to start a fire.
Clashes were also reported between the crowds and police close to campus, with security forces dispersing protesters with tear gas.
Around a dozen rioters dressed in black were reportedly present, while high school and university students were also among the crowd.
Many protesters reportedly threw street furniture or other projectiles at the police.
Firefighters intervene in Paris
In Paris, firefighters intervened at fires ignited at the entrances of several schools.
Police in Loire reported arrests of several individuals carrying dangerous objects, including a firework stick and a glass-breaking hammer.
The prefect of Bouches-du-Rhone told BFMTV that the situation was "incomparable with yesterday", with “far fewer protesters” on the streets of Marseille.
A total of 11 schools were “more or less affected” Friday morning, with some blockades cleared by riot police.
Prefect Jacques Witkowski said 55 high schools had switched to remote learning in the morning.
The Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region estimated that damage linked to the student mobilisation amounted to €25 million (US$28 million) to €30 million (US$33 million).
The region reportedly recorded 180 blockades over three days and 90 attacks on high schools.
Arrests in Aude
Protests also broke out near several schools in the Aude region, where projectiles were launched and rubbish bins set on fire.
At least seven arrests for possession of explosives and throwing projectiles took place in the department.
Meanwhile, an investigation was opened for attempted murder in Belfort after an off-duty police officer was reportedly beaten until he lost consciousness.
Top government officials held an emergency meeting on Thursday afternoon, and they believe the student protests were secretly planned by the far-left political party (LFI) and groups working with it.
Several organisations representing the student movement, together with left-wing and far-left political groups, have called for a second round of mobilisation on October 6 against what they described as police "repression".
-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU