Dozens of protesters from the international peasant movement Via Campesina protested Wednesday at the Paris headquarters of the international food corporation Danone to denounce the negative impact the transnational company has had on the daily life of millions of farm workers who have been forced to abandon their fields.
Evidence from Indonesia, where Danone monopolizes farmers' land https://t.co/1HxM7HqxqG
— La Via Campesina (@via_campesina)
December 9, 2015
The activists painted the main entrance to the company’s offices in red and placed banners, while chanting slogans such as “Danone is the enemy.”
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The rally was brief as participants were forced to abandon the demonstration before the police arrived, to avoid arrest and confrontation. The French government banned all public protests and rallies as part as the three-month state of emergency declared after the Paris attacks, which left over 130 people dead and hundreds injured.
Via Campesina members protest outside Danone headquarters in Paris. | Photo: teleSUR
Even though the demonstration, which was condemned by Danone, was brief, members of Via Campesina had managed to get the word out and promote the action to the press.
COP21: La Via Campesina denounces land grabs by Danone #LaViaCampesina #COP21 https://t.co/wOf0lMM7qd
— La Via Campesina (@via_campesina)
December 9, 2015
Via Campesina has participated actively in the COP21. Their delegation in the summit and other members have carried out several activities to inform people of what should be discussed at the core of climate change negotiations.
The Via Campesina has also denounced that the Paris Agreement will ultimately only benefit transnationals and world powers.
Mobilisation in front to Danone HQ in Paris. Agribusiness kills the planet. #livetweet #COP21Paris pic.twitter.com/9DvQbhseUe
— GRAIN (@GRAIN_org)
December 9, 2015
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