Gilets jaunes: Row over riot-gun injuries

Dozens of serious injuries caused by French police riot guns during the yellow-vest protests have led to calls for such weapons to be banned


Police say gun is used only where security forces have no other means of defence.
Only torso and upper or lower limbs targeted, at distance of more than 10 metres

At least 15 people reportedly partially blinded. Other injuries include open fractures to face and cranial trauma


LBD40: Stand-alone shoulder-fired grenade launcher, described as non-lethal weapon.
Known by protesters as “flash-balls”

Shoulder stock: Foldable

Electronic aiming device

Barrel: 28cm

Length: 60cm Weight: 2.1kg


MUNITION
40mm semi-rigid rubber or foam pellet travels at up to 100m per second

Pellets meant to distort upon impact, to avoid breaking skin

46mm
40mm


Sources: Brügger & Thomet, desarmons.net 
Picture: Associated Press 
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