Thousands protest against educational reforms

Approximately 125,000 people gathered in cities across France on 18 December 2008 to protest government-proposed reforms of the educational system. While most of the demonstrations were peaceful, there were isolated reports of violence. Minor clashes broke out near the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris, where police officers fired tear gas to disperse demonstrators. In Dijon, protesters temporarily blocked a rail line. Separately, a group of approximately 150 protesters clashed with police officers in Lyon. Participants hurled rocks, set trashcans on fire and vandalized vehicles. Police officers arrested 38 protesters during the demonstration, while at least five officers sustained injuries. The French government announced plans to indefinitely suspend proposed education reforms earlier in the week, but students are calling for the changes to be permanently dropped.