Mexican farmers strip in protest

Protesters said stripping was the only way they could get attention

Dozens of Mexican farmers have gone topless to protest against the activities of a former state governor.

The men from the south-eastern state of Veracruz stripped to their underwear at a national monument in the capital, Mexico City.

They said taking their clothes off at the Angel of Independence statue on one of the city's busiest streets was their best way of highlighting their cause.

Correspondents say they won their battle for publicity, with passing motorists honking their car horns while pedestrians stared and laughed.

'Land seized'

The farmers, who are members of the 400 Pueblos (Movement of 400 Ethnic Groups), are demanding action against the former governor of Veracruz, Patricio Chirinos.

The demonstrators said human rights had been abused

They accuse him of ordering an unjustified seizure of lands and mass arrests.

The protesters handed out leaflets explaining their cause while chanting and singing demands for "Justice, today".

One of the demonstrators explained that the farmers had little choice but to try the unusual form of protest.

"We are stripping because it is the only way to get attention," said Agustin Morales, a 45-year-old farmer.

"We don't have money to buy an ad in the newspapers."