FEMEN organized a topless protest outside the French Senate in Paris, opposing the proposal to legalize prostitution in France. The activists aimed to raise awareness about the exploitation of women in the sex industry and to advocate for the abolition of prostitution.
FEMEN ACTIONS IN 2008
Live
Protest at Strasbourg Cathedral
Location: Strasbourg, French
A FEMEN activist held a topless protest inside Strasbourg Cathedral on the eve of Pope Francis’ visit to European institutions. She held a European flag while protesting against the Catholic Church’s stance on women’s rights.
FEMEN ACTIONS IN 2008
Live
Protest at Strasbourg Cathedral
Location: Strasbourg, French
FEMEN activists were violently attacked during a protest in Crimea. The activists were protesting against the Russian occupation of Crimea and the human rights violations occurring there.
FEMEN ACTIONS IN 2008
Live
Protest Against Vladimir Putin in Milan
Location: Milan, Italy
FEMEN activists staged a protest against Vladimir Putin during his visit to Milan for the Europe-Asia summit. The protest highlighted Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine and condemned Putin’s human rights abuses.
FEMEN ACTIONS IN 2008
Live
Christmas Protest at the Vatican (“Snatching the Baby Jesus”)
Location: Vatican, Italy
On December 25, 2014, FEMEN activist Yana Zhdanova snatched the baby Jesus figurine from the nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City. She was topless with the words “God Is Woman” painted on her body. Zhdanova was quickly arrested by Vatican police after shouting anti-religious slogans while holding the figurine.
FEMEN ACTIONS IN 2008
Live
Protest at Kyiv Pechersk Lavra (“Blood Bucket Challenge”)
A FEMEN activist staged a protest at Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, pouring fake blood over herself in front of the clergy. This “Blood Bucket Challenge” was a symbolic protest against the Moscow Patriarchate and Russian President Vladimir Putin, condemning their roles in the conflict in Ukraine.
FEMEN ACTIONS IN 2008
Live
Protest Against Vladimir Putin at the Grévin Museum
Date: June 5, 2014
Location: Paris, France (Grévin Museum)
During a topless protest, FEMEN activist Iana Zhdanova attacked a wax statue of Vladimir Putin at the Grévin Museum in Paris. She was later sentenced on October 15, 2014, to a €1,500 fine for damages and sexual exhibitionism.
