French school protests continue, up to 40,000 expected to march in Paris

French high school students blocked access to their schools again on Tuesday, continuing a protest movement that has lasted several weeks over inadequate funding and overcrowded classrooms. This time adults joined the students in marches showing solidarity with their demands. In Paris, organizers expected as many as 40,000 people to take part.

Clashes reported in two cities

Clashes between demonstrators and police broke out in Lyon and Strasbourg. In Lyon, protesters built a makeshift barricade that was set on fire, with riot police standing guard nearby as it burned.

Detentions and injuries mount

According to France's justice ministry, more than 5,000 people have been detained since the protests began last month, with 87 percent of those detained being minors. At least 589 schools across the country have had their operations disrupted, and more than 215 students have been injured during the unrest.

One of the most serious incidents occurred in the northern town of Lens, where a 15-year-old student lost his hand after picking up a police grenade during a demonstration.

The protests, which began weeks ago over school underfunding and overcrowding, show no signs of slowing, with growing numbers of both students and adults taking part.