PARIS, July 8 (RAPSI) - Femen activist Inna Shevchenko has been given political asylum in France, the press service of the women's rights group reported on Monday.

Shevchenko came to the attention of the law-enforcement authorities after the group sawed down a memorial cross dedicated to victims of political repressions in central Kyiv in 2012. Later, the 23-year-old activist moved to Paris where she trained more women for the groups political stunts.

"Yes, I recently received official documents which grant me refugee status in France," Shevchenko told RIA Novosti on Monday. "This was a strategically important decision for Femen in France because that is where our headquarters has moved to, and we have opened the first training camp for feminist activists."

The Femen group, which originated in Ukraine, has expanded its activities to other countries as well. Their stunts always feature the same signature piece - they show up topless in any circumstances and in any weather.

Femen was officially registered in France in September 2012. However, the activists have not yet succeeded in registering the group in their home country.