Fourteen-year-old boy critically injured by police tear gas in France

A 14-year-old student, identified as Eden, suffered a broken jaw and multiple smashed teeth after being struck in the face by a tear gas canister in Saint-Ouen-l’Aumone, France, last week. The incident occurred during student protests, where the teenager was reportedly sitting on a wall away from the main demonstration. According to the family lawyer, Elsa Marcel, an officer first struck Eden with a baton, which led the youth to respond with a kick. Subsequently, a second officer fired a tear gas grenade from a Cougar launcher at point-blank range, leaving the boy on the ground without immediate assistance from the officers.

The family has filed a formal complaint alleging attempted murder, while a local prosecutor stated that the student had confronted the officers during their attempt to push protesters back. The officer responsible for firing the canister has been placed under formal investigation on charges of assault by a public official resulting in severe injuries. A police spokesperson declined to comment on the matter, citing an ongoing investigation into the conduct of the officers involved.