The family of a 15-year-old boy who lost his hand in a grenade explosion during street riots in France has filed a complaint with French authorities, disputing the official version of events.
French prosecutors say police threw a grenade in accordance with the law from a distance of 80 meters toward a crowd that had gathered, when the teenager suddenly decided to pick up the grenade.
Within seconds, the grenade exploded and tore off the boy's hand while he was holding the explosive device.
The boy's family has now filed a complaint with French internal affairs, claiming their son never picked up the grenade at all. The family did not explain how their son's hand was completely torn off by the blast, an injury characteristic of an explosion caused by direct contact.
"We must state the obvious: Owen is the victim," the teen's family said.
In a statement released Friday, they added that "he denies having picked up the grenade that exploded and denies any involvement in violence."
Prosecutors, who maintain the officer is innocent, added that their version of events was confirmed by several witnesses who were present at the scene.
The weekend in France passed without unusual incidents, and for the first time in two weeks without demonstrations. The real test will come Monday, when schools are scheduled to reopen.
High school student union organizations have already called for a new day of rage this week, sponsored by the left, which is stoking violence against police.
