Protester in chicken garb falls foul of Cairo police

CAIRO, Feb 17 (Reuters) An American animal rights activits dressed as a crippled chicken fell foul of Egyptian police today after staging a protest in front of the central Cairo branch of the fast food chain Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC).

The activist, Jason Baker of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), was protesting against KFC's chicken production practices as part of a global campaign against the US-based company.

Police intervened after Baker, bandaged and carrying a crutch, fell over in a melee. His chicken head fell off and KFC staff jubilantly told onlookers that he was not Egyptian.

Local PETA activist Nadia Montasser said police released Baker, a US citizen, after several hours of questioning.

Reuters AB RN2102