SAINT-NAZAIRE, France A huge photograph of one of two ancient Buddha statues destroyed by Afghanistan's ruling Taleban militia was put on display Tuesday in this western French city in a sign of protest.

The 28-meter-high (92-foot-high) photo, placed over one of the port's silos, is to remain on display for three months.

"We cannot remain silent to what is happening in that country and especially when it comes to the treatment of women," said Yannick Vaugrenard, a city official.

According to AFP, he said that in September the city plans to organize several events to highlight conditions in Afghanistan, including conferences with Afghan women and experts.

The two ancient Bamyan Buddha statues were blown to pieces in March by the Taleban despite an international appeal to save them from destruction.