Dozens arrested in French student protest

French authorities say police arrested 38 people in Lyon when a student protest against education reform turned violent.

French authorities say police arrested 38 people in Lyon when a student protest against education reform turned violent.

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The local government says five officers were injured in scuffles with about 150 demonstrators who threw rocks, damaged cars, torched garbage and smashed bus shelters.

Police estimate 5,500 people participated in the protest. Student organizers estimated turnout at 10,000.

Education Minister Xavier Darcos announced this week he would postpone his reform of the secondary school curriculum indefinitely amid fears of a backlash like the one that has rocked Greece. His proposals include cutting classroom hours and dividing the school year into two semesters.

Students are keeping up their protests and want the proposal scrapped.