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

Protesters are trying to advance towards the ZAD 'Crem'Arbre,' which is being blocked by Gendarmes Mobiles (riot police). In the woods in Saix, Tarn, France, on February 17, 2024, opponents of the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres have set up a ZAD, or 'Zone To Defend,' named 'Crem'Arbre.' Activists, referred to as 'Ecureuils' ('squirrels'), are living in the trees to prevent them from being cut down. The Gendarmes Mobiles have intervened 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 has attempted to enter the ZAD, which is illegally blocked by the Gendarmes Mobiles, but without success. The riot police 'Gendarmerie Mobile' have 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' ('The Way is Free') wants the construction of the highway to be halted until all judicial decisions on the matter are made. Not all expropriations for farmers have been resolved. Opponents argue that reprofiling the N126 would be sufficient for the 6,000 vehicles expected per day and would cost far less money. The A69 highway is projected to cost EUR512 million (in 2018 euros, excluding inflation) for 54 kilometers, and its construction would destroy more than 100 protected species and 400 hectares of agricultural land. (Photo by Alain Pitton/NurPhoto)

Photo Details

Photo ID	#11004751
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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