Women's rights group stages topless protest in Kiev ahead of Euro 2012 draw



By Sportsmail Reporter

Ukrainian women's rights activists have staged a topless demonstration at Kiev's Olympic Stadium to protest what they say are attempts to legalize prostitution during the 2012 European Championship.



Five members of the FEMEN group chanted slogans and displayed banners criticising UEFA.



FEMEN spokeswoman Inna Shevchenko says UEFA are 'trying to influence our government' to legalize prostitution during the June 8-July 1 tournament.



Demonstration: FEMEN members outside the Olympic Stadium in Kiev

The draw for the finals takes place on Friday at 5pm.

Kiev police arrived at the gates of the downtown stadium and the women were dragged into a police vehicle and driven away.



FEMEN has established an international reputation for staging semi-naked protests in Ukraine and abroad.



Swift end: Ukrainian police moved in and dragged the protesters away

The group have previously stripped in front of Paris Hilton and at the Miss Ukraine beauty contest to show their belief that the beauty industry is a form of prostitution.

Topless FEMEN activists were also arrested at the stadium's opening ceremony in October after they invaded the pitch as part of their protest.



