Topless women protest against sex tourism at Euro 2012 stadium opening

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Topless feminists invade Kiev Euro 2012 stadium in sex tourism protest
Topless feminists invade Kiev Euro 2012 stadium in sex tourism protest

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Four topless Ukranian activists were arrested at the opening ceremony for the Euro 2012 stadium in Kiev after invading the pitch in a bid to make a protest against sex tourism.

One woman carried off the pitch by a steward was wearing a pair of black leggings with two footballs painted over her breasts.

The Femen activists believe the football tournament will increase sex tourism to the country.

A statement by the demonstrators said: "Femen demands that UEFA initiate an explanatory campaign for football fans about the impermissibliity of sex tourism and funding the sex industry, and the Ukrainian authorities criminalise the visiting of prostitutes."

Prostitution in Ukraine is illegal but according to the Daily Mail, the country remains one of the main suppliers of prostitutes to Western Europe.

The 70,000-seat Olympiisky National Sports Complex in Kiev will host some of the games during next year's soccer tournament which will take place in Ukraine and Poland.

Femen has a history of getting their kit off to promote their belief that the beauty industry is a form of prostitution. They have previously stripped off in front of Paris Hilton and at the Miss Ukraine beauty contest.

Shakira headlined the opening ceremony where 2,000 other artists also performed in front of 60,000 fans. UEFA chief Michel Platini was at the event alongside the Ukrainian president Viktor Yushchenkos.

However, there was further embarrassment when fireworks set fire to some of the stage props, forcing the evacuation of two sections.

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