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

NGE/ATOSCA is working under heavy police protection in the woods in Saix, Tarn Departement, on the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres. Opponents of this project have established a ZAD named 'Crem'Arbre' and 'Ecureuils' are living in the trees to prevent them from being cut down. The Gendarmes Mobiles (riot police) are currently intervening to clear the ZAD of all opponents and are standing guard near the trees occupied by 'Ecureuils' to prevent sympathizers from supplying food and water. The Gendarmes Mobiles have cleared the nearby area of all opponents, and a special unit of policemen, CNAMO, is working to dislodge the 'Ecureuils' from their trees. After two days of police efforts, they have only managed to dislodge one 'Ecureuil'. The LDH (Human Rights League) is present, providing medical supplies to the 'Ecureuils'. Meanwhile, new trees are being occupied by 'Ecureuils' at a new location called 'Cal'Arbre'. The main collective 'La Voie est Libre' is demanding that the construction of the highway be halted until all judicial decisions have been 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 significantly 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. This is taking place in Saix, France, on February 21, 2024. (Photo by Alain Pitton/NurPhoto)

Photo ID	#11012801
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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