French eco-activists stormed a spring event in Paris to display a banner referencing British suffragette Emily Davison, who was killed by King George V’s horse.
A few protesters, along with the environmental group Riposte Alimentaire, jumped over barriers at Saut Hermes 2024 and ran into the center of the ring.
They then hastily pulled a banner from their rucksack and let it unravel, reading ‘1913 EPSOM – 2024 HERMES: RESIST IS VITAL’, before tearing it away.
It was in tribute to Emily Davison, an English suffragette who tragically died after running in front of King George V’s horse in 1913.
A pair of protesters (pictured), engaged to the environmental group Riposte Alimentaire, jumped over barriers at Saut Hermes 2024
They ran into the center of the ring during the event in Paris
They then hastily pulled a banner from their rucksack and let it unravel, reading ‘1913 EPSOM – 2024 HERMES: RESIST IS VITAL’, before tearing it away.
Other people quickly approached the two activists and pulled one of them away – while they tumbled over a jumping obstacle.
The second protester was then approached but then sat down before being picked up and carried away.
The group believes that “similar actions” like the suffragettes are necessary to tackle the climate crisis.
Saut Hermes 2024 is a horse jumping competition held at the Grand Palais Ephemere in Paris.
It attracts lots of horse enthusiasts and some of the best riders.
Other people quickly approached the two activists and pulled one of them away – toppling over a jumping obstacle in the process
The second protester was approached but then sat down before being picked up and carried away
In an Instagram post, Riposte Alimentaire said: ‘Thankfully the legacy of the suffragettes is well preserved. On Monday 4 March, thanks to the struggle and persistence of many female politicians and activists, a historic vote took place in France: the inscription of the IVG constitution.
‘We are proud and proud of this legacy and we believe similar action is needed to address the climate crisis. The transition to a sustainable agricultural model and access to healthy food for all are the reasons why we are pushing ourselves to act.’
Riposte Alimentaire’s name translates to ‘food counter-attack’ and, according to its website, the group is demanding that the French government ensure food security in the country, including the distribution of €150 ‘food cards’ per month per person to buy approved food. .’
The group is an offshoot of the Last Renovation campaign, and its website explains how “in 2022 and 2023 it led to actions across France to demand an energy renovation plan for buildings”.
It added: “Empowered by a community of civil resistance, which achieved a first victory, the Last Renovation campaign was transformed to tackle an even more ambitious and systemic issue: Social Security for Sustainable Food.”
The activists are also part of a wider environmental group – the A22 network – which is made up of several other organisations, including Just Stop Oil.
This is not the first stunt that Riposte Alimentaire has been involved in. Pictured: Two other protesters after throwing soup at the Mona Lisa in January
This is the moment activists throw soup at the Mona Lisa in Paris in January
This is not the first stunt that Riposte Alimentaire has been involved in.
In January, Sasha, 24, and Marie-Juliette, 63, threw pumpkin soup at the bulletproof glass that protected the Mona Lisa in the French capital’s Louvre museum.
A statement from the Louvre said the Salle des Etats, where the Mona Lisa is on display, was evacuated after the demonstration and closed for an hour while cleaning was carried out before reopening to visitors around midday.
The Paris museum confirmed there was no damage to the world-famous painting, which is on display behind protective tempered glass, but said it would file a complaint.