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

Police are currently protecting works by NGE/ATOSCA in the woods in Saix, Tarn Departement, on the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres. Opponents of this project 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, are intervening to clear the ZAD of all opponents and are standing guard near the trees to prevent the 'Ecureuils' from receiving food and water supplies from sympathizers. Special police units CNAMO are also working to dislodge the 'Ecureuils' from their trees. After two days of effort, the police 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' at a new location called 'Cal'Arbre'. The 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 anticipated 6,000 vehicles per day and would be much less expensive. 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. This is taking place in Saix, Tarn, France, on February 21, 2024. (Photo by Alain Pitton/NurPhoto)

Photo Details

Photo ID	#11012791
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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