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

A truck from the Gendarmerie Mobile is standing near a tree occupied by 'Ecureuils' (meaning 'Squirrels') in the 'Crem'Arbre' woods in Saix, Tarn, France, on February 17, 2024. These 'Ecureuils' are living in the trees to prevent them from being cut down. Opponents of the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres have established a ZAD, known as 'Crem'Arbre,' as a zone to defend. The Gendarmerie Mobile (riot police) have intervened to clear the ZAD of all opponents and are now standing guard near the trees to block supplies from sympathizers. MP Karen Erodi attempted to enter the ZAD but was blocked by the Gendarmerie Mobile, despite it being illegal to block an MP 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' (meaning 'The Way is Free') is demanding that the construction of the highway be halted until all judicial decisions are made. Not all expropriations for farmers have been resolved. 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	#11004740
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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