Thousands of nearly naked students marched through the chilly streets of Montreal to protest tuition hikes, careful to wear just enough clothing -- or body paint -- to avoid arrest.

During the March on Thursday, men stripped down to their underwear while topless women concealed their nipples with red ribbon or body paint -- a sly way of avoiding arrest for violating laws against public nudity.

"The students are against a rise," one sign said. "We are freezing our behinds for free school," read another.

The latest protest came on the 12th week of a strike by some 170,000 students to protest plans to raise tuition by $1,625 over five years, or $325 per year, to $3,800 per year.

To break the deadlock, Quebec Premier Jean Charest has proposed an increase of $1,785 over seven years and a rise in scholarships, but the students have rejected the latest deal as well, calling for a tuition freeze.

Students march against tuition hikes in downtown Montreal, Quebec,

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