Hundreds of French schools close as student protests escalate

Up to 500 high schools across France will be totally or partly closed on Monday due to widespread student protests and security concerns.

Students have demonstrated against high teacher absence rates, overlong school days, and dilapidated facilities, while officials reported 24 schools burned or ransacked.

Interior and education authorities highlighted incidents of extreme violence and arrests exceeding 5,000 since the movement began, with further protests planned for Tuesday.