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

A member of the LDH is discussing with a Lt-Colonel of the Gendarmerie Mobile to provide medical supplies to an 'Ecureuil' living in a tree in the 'Crem'Arbre' ZAD in the woods in Saix, Tarn Departement, on the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres, France, on February 21, 2024. Opponents of the project have installed a ZAD, dubbed 'Crem'Arbre,' where 'Ecureuils' ('squirrels') are living in the trees to prevent them from being cut down. Gendarmes Mobiles (riot police) have intervened to clear the ZAD of all opponents and are now standing guard near the trees occupied by 'Ecureuils' to block the supply of food and water by sympathizers. Despite the police's efforts over two days, they have only dislodged one 'Ecureuil.' Meanwhile, new trees are being occupied by 'Ecureuils' in a new area called 'Cal'Arbre.' The main collective 'La Voie est Libre' ('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 the reprofiling of the N126 would be sufficient for the 6,000 vehicles expected per day and would cost much 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 ID	#11012792
Date Taken	20 February 2024
Location	N/A
Photographer	Alain Pitton/NurPhoto
Category	Social Issue
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Alain Pitton/NurPhoto

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