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Riot Police In The ZAD 'Crem'Arbre' Against The A69 Highway Toulouse-Castres

Gendarmes Mobiles are currently protesting the commencement of work in a protected woodland area in Saix, Tarn, France, on February 17, 2024. In these woods, which are on the route of the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres, opponents have established a Zone To Defend (ZAD) named 'Crem'Arbre' and individuals referred to as 'Ecureuils' are living in the trees to prevent them from being cut down. The Gendarmes Mobiles are intervening to clear the ZAD of all opponents and are now standing guard near the trees occupied by the 'Ecureuils' to block the delivery of supplies from sympathizers. MP Karen Erodi attempted to enter the ZAD but was blocked by the Gendarmes Mobiles, despite it being illegal to block a Member of Parliament in France. The riot police have also intervened multiple times to block the railway between Toulouse and Castres and have used tear gas canisters to intimidate protesters, as the protest is taking place on private land. The main collective 'La Voie est Libre' is demanding that construction of the highway be halted until all judicial decisions have been made. The issue of expropriations for farmers has not yet been resolved. Opponents argue that reprofiling the N126 would be sufficient for the anticipated 6,000 vehicles per day and would be much less costly. The A69 highway is projected to cost EUR512 million (in 2018 euros, excluding inflation) for 54 kilometers, and its construction would result in the destruction of over 100 protected species and 400 hectares of agricultural land. (Photo by Alain Pitton/NurPhoto)

Photo Details

Photo ID	#11004731
Date Taken	17 February 2024
Location	N/A
Photographer	Alain Pitton/NurPhoto
Category	Social Issue
Copyright	© 2025 NurPhoto - Alain Pitton/NurPhoto

Related Keywords

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