Femen crash far-right gathering in Paris honouring Joan of Arc

 Four members from the feminist Femen group struck again in central Paris on Sunday, interrupting a rally organised by far-right groups commemorating the Saint Joan of Arc.

© From @Femen_France Twitter account

 Appearing topless, their trademark look, with “sextermination” written across their breasts, the Ukraine-based movement appeared on the rooftop overlooking the statue of Joan of Arc in Place des Pyramides, just when ultra conversative Catholics, French royalists, skinhead youth and other groups were meeting.

They unravelled a two-story high red and black banner reading “Sextermination for Nazism”, and set off flares that blew smoke into the crowds below who responded with cries of “Femen die” and “Femen whores”.

Joan of Arc, long-considered a French medieval hero, has become a symbol of the far-right groups, including the FN political party headed by Marine Le Pen. Today marks the Catholic saint’s feast day. A banner from the crowds below read “Saint Joan of Arc save France”.

In November, Femen activists violently clashed with members of far-right groups when disguised as nuns they snuck into an anti-gay rally and proceeded to strip down to their underwear as a counter-protest.

Recently, they caused outrage by celebrating Pope Benedict’s resignation at Notre Dame Cathedral.

While the protest today only lasted half an hour, it did not end with any physical confrontation. The women were eventually escorted off the building by firemen.