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

A protester is standing on the ground in front of riot police amid clouds of tear gas in Saix, Tarn, France, on February 17, 2024. Opponents of the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres have set up a Zone To Defend (ZAD) named 'Crem'Arbre,' and individuals called 'Ecureuils' are living in the trees to prevent them from being cut down. The Gendarmes Mobiles (riot police) are intervening to clear the ZAD of all opponents and are now standing guard near the trees occupied by the 'Ecureuils' to block their supplies of food and water 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 several 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 lands. The main collective 'La Voie est Libre' is demanding that the construction of the highway be halted until all judicial decisions are made. The expropriations for farmers have not been settled. Opponents argue that reprofiling the N126 would be sufficient for the anticipated 6,000 vehicles per day and would cost significantly less. The A69 highway is projected to cost EUR512 million (in 2018 euros, excluding inflation) for 54 kilometers, and its construction would destroy over 100 protected species and 400 hectares of agricultural land. (Photo by Alain Pitton/NurPhoto)

Photo Details

Photo ID	#11004735
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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