MORE THAN 270 PEOPLE DETAINED SINCE THE END OF SEPTEMBER

PARIS, 12 OCTOBER /SRNA – RIA Novosti/ – More than 270 people have been detained during secondary school students’ protests in Paris since the end of September, Laure Beccuau, the chief prosecutor in the French capital, announced today.

According to her, 273 people, including 188 minors, were detained during blockades of secondary schools in Paris between 29 September and Thursday, 8 October.

Beccuau noted that most of the minors were 15 or 16 years old, many of whom had not previously come to the attention of law enforcement agencies.

The protests have been ongoing for several weeks, with reasons including overcrowded school timetables, a shortage of teachers and other problems.

The demonstrations have repeatedly resulted in disturbances, forcing police to use tear gas and stun grenades. More than 6,800 people have been detained since the protests began.