Feminist activists detained for vandalizing UN monument during Ukraine protest
- Three feminist activists vandalized the Broken Chair monument to protest Russia's war against Ukraine.
- The vandalism involved using a chainsaw to damage the sculpture while the activists wore ukrainian flag colors and painted provocative messages on their bodies.
- The event reflects growing frustration with the U.N.'s inaction regarding the conflict, prompting calls for Russia's expulsion from the organization.
On December 13, 2024, in Geneva, Switzerland, three feminist activists were detained for vandalizing a significant monument outside the United Nations complex. The activists, affiliated with the feminist group FEMEN, staged a provocative protest against Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine, which commenced with a full-scale invasion in February 2022. The protest involved two topless women who used a chainsaw to inflict damage on the notable wooden sculpture known as the "Broken Chair." This 12-meter tall artwork is a poignant symbol representing the dismemberment caused by landmines, which have been a devastating tool in warfare, specifically highlighted in the context of the Ukrainian conflict. The vandals painted slogans such as "stop mines" and "F--k Russia" on their bodies, donned in blue and yellow bands representing the Ukrainian flag. Their actions occurred in near-freezing temperatures, and they vocally expressed their discontent with the United Nations, describing its inaction in the face of military aggression as a failure to uphold peace. Following their act of vandalism, police officers apprehended at least three women, which included the participating activists, all taken into custody in three separate police vehicles. The installation of the Broken Chair serves as a call to action against the use of anti-personnel mines and highlights the ongoing human suffering triggered by such weapons. The protest by FEMEN reflects a deep frustration with global inaction, particularly on the part of the United Nations, which the group accuses of allowing the conflict to continue unabated. The activists issued a statement condemning the U.N., emphasizing that their aim was to draw attention to the tragedy faced by Ukraine and to advocate for Russia’s expulsion from the international organization. This incident underscores the escalating tensions surrounding Russia's military actions and the corresponding reactions from global civil society. Activists argue that the world must not remain passive or indifferent while countries face devastation from war. The detainment of the activists serves as a reminder of the lengths to which individuals and groups will go to protest against what they perceive as grave injustices, particularly in the context of a major geopolitical conflict that has resulted in significant suffering for the Ukrainian population.