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A69: Riot Police Try To Dislodge 4ecureuils' At The 'Crem'Arbre' ZAD

A police helicopter is flying near a hut occupied by individuals known as 'Ecureuils,' who are living in the trees in the woods in Saix, Tarn, France, on February 21, 2024. These 'Ecureuils,' or 'squirrels,' have installed themselves in the trees to block the cutting of the forest for the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres. The area, dubbed 'Crem'Arbre,' is a ZAD, or Zone To Defend, where opponents of the project are trying to prevent construction. Riot police, known as Gendarmes Mobiles, are intervening to clear the ZAD of all opponents and are now standing guard near the trees to block the supply of food and water by sympathizers. Despite the police's efforts over two days, they have only managed to dislodge one 'Ecureuil.' The Human Rights League (LDH) has arrived to provide medical supplies to the 'Ecureuils.' Meanwhile, new trees are being occupied by 'Ecureuils' in a new area called 'Cal'Arbre.' The main collective 'La Voie est Libre,' or 'The Way is Free,' is demanding that the construction of the highway be halted until all judicial decisions are made. The expropriations for farmers have not been resolved. Opponents argue that reprofiling the N126 would be sufficient for the 6,000 vehicles expected per day and would cost far less. The A69 highway is projected to cost EUR512 million (in 2018 euros, without 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	#11012780
Date Taken	20 February 2024
Location	N/A
Photographer	Alain Pitton/NurPhoto
Category	Social Issue
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Alain Pitton/NurPhoto

Related Keywords

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