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

Workers from NGE/ATOSCA are working under heavy police protection in the woods of Saix, Tarn, France, on February 21, 2024. Opponents of the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres have established a Zone To Defend (ZAD) named 'Crem'Arbre' and individuals referred to as 'Ecureuils' ('Squirrels') are living in the trees to prevent them from being cut down. Riot police, known as Gendarmes Mobiles, have intervened to clear the ZAD of all opponents and are now standing guard near the trees occupied by the 'Ecureuils' to prevent sympathizers from supplying them with food and water. The Gendarmes Mobiles have also cleared the nearby area of opponents, and a special unit of policemen, CNAMO, has been involved in efforts to dislodge the 'Ecureuils' from their trees. After two days, the police have only managed to dislodge one 'Ecureuil'. The Human Rights League (LDH) has provided medical supplies to the 'Ecureuils'. Meanwhile, new trees have been occupied by 'Ecureuils' at a new site called 'Cal'Arbre'. The main collective 'La Voie est Libre' ('The Way is Free') is demanding that construction of the highway be halted until all judicial decisions have been 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 significantly less. 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	#11012783
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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