French GM protester arrested

Radical French farmer-protester Jose Bove was arrested yesterday and taken to prison to serve a 10-month sentence for destroying genetically modified plants.

Bove was convicted in November of ripping up genetically modified rice and maize plants in separate incidents in 1998 and 1999.

Though he was sentenced seven months ago, Bove had refused to give himself up.

Dozens of police charged through a glass doorway of his home near Montpellier and bundled him aboard a helicopter.

Government officials said he may be pardoned.