Controversial protest group, FEMEN, have turned heads once more, staging a topless protest in Paris' most famous art gallery, the Louvre.
On Wednesday a group of girls an anti-rape protest by standing topless in front of the Venus de Milo statue.
The FEMEN activists shouted, “We are here to stop rape”, saying they chose the Venus de Milo as the sculpture with no arms best symbolizes a woman’s helplessness and vulnerability.
The protest was sparked by an incident in Tunisia where a woman claimed she was raped by police officers. The woman may now face charges of indecency. Demonstrations have been held in Tunis, and the case has drawn attention in France especially, hence the choice of the Louvre for FEMEN's latest stunt.
In a statement the group said:
FEMEN thinks the reaction of Tunisian authorities shows how much islamism, the introduction of Sharia law and its sexist ideas can damage our society. FEMEN requires the Tunisian authorities that Mariam has a fair trial as a victim of a collective rape and the police officers involved to be judged and sentenced for their acts. In the name of Venus, we call women from all around the world to create a front of resistance to prevent victims of rape to be treated like criminals. We have hands to stop it!
The shocking tactics of the group have gained them an international following, as has seen them expand dramatically from their roots in Ukraine just four years ago. Recently opening a headquarters in Paris, the group have plans to establish bases in New York, Montreal and Sao Paulo.
