Greenpeace Activists Hang Anti-Transgenics Banner From Mexico City Monument EFE
go to original May 17, 2013

Greenpeace activists scale a monument in Mexico City to hang a banner demanding that Mexico say no to genetically enhanced corn. (Henry Romero/Reuters)

MEXICO CITY - Four Greenpeace activists scaled a monument in this capital on Thursday to unfurl a banner denouncing the use of genetically modified organisms in the cultivation of maize, Mexico's emblematic staple.

The foursome climbed halfway up the Estela de Luz (Pillar Of Light), which stands 104 meters (341 feet) tall, hung the banner with the slogan NO OGM and remained for several hours before descending and driving away in a pickup truck.

OGM are the initials of the Spanish translation of genetically modified organisms.

Municipal police erected barriers around the monument after the protest began, but made no effort to stop the activists from hanging the banner or from leaving the scene.

Greenpeace and other Mexican organizations say they fear the possible effects of GMO maize on human health and the environment.

Located in the heart of Mexico City, the Stela of Light was built to commemorate the bicentennial of Mexican independence and the 100th anniversary of the country's 1910 revolution.

The project ultimately cost more than 1 billion pesos ($78 million) - five times the original estimate - and the monument has become a popular spot for demonstrations.

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