Protesters destroy modified crops

MENVILLE, France, July 25 (UPI) -- Protesters have destroyed a field of genetically modified corn in south-west France, the BBC reported Sunday.

The demonstrators, reportedly numbering in the hundreds, ripped up the transgenic crop plantation in Menville. The activists were led by radical French farmer Jose Bove, who said the protest was being taken in the interests of consumers. Police observed the destruction and took photographs of those involved. Bove said the protesters were prepared to face the consequences.

The protest was the latest in a series of demonstrations by opponents of genetically modified crops across Europe. There have been about twelve anti-GM activists prosecuted in France over the past seven years, the BBC said.