Soup-throwing activists target Mona Lisa in Paris Louvre protest

Protesters in the French capital of Paris have made headlines for throwing soup at the protected glass surrounding Leonardo da Vinci's world-renowned Mona Lisa painting in the Louvre Museum. The activists were part of the group Riposte Alimentaire, which advocates for a healthier and more sustainable food system. The incident marks the latest attack on the masterpiece, which was successfully protected by the thick glass casing.

The Louvre has stated that two female protesters wearing "Food Counterattack" T-shirts threw the soup while shouting, "What is more important? Art or the right to healthy and sustainable food?" The museum was briefly evacuated, but the painting was undamaged. The incident comes amidst widespread protests by French farmers demanding better remuneration for their produce and protection against cheap imports.

The farmers have threatened to blockade the Rungis International Market, prompting the deployment of 15,000 police officers in the Paris region and the blocking of highways leading to the capital. The French government has announced measures to address farmers' concerns and is considering additional steps to prevent unfair competition from other countries. The Prime Minister, Gabriel Attal, has acknowledged the difficulties facing farmers and has pledged to find short, middle, and long-term solutions to support them.