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

A sympathizer of the 'Ecureuils' is facing off against the Gendarmes Mobiles in the woods in Saix, Tarn, France, on February 21, 2024. Opponents of the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres have set up a Zone To Defend (ZAD) called 'Crem'Arbre,' where 'Ecureuils,' or 'squirrels,' are living in trees to prevent them from being cut down. The Gendarmes Mobiles, a riot police unit, are intervening 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. Despite two days of police efforts, 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' at a new location called 'Cal'Arbre.' The collective 'La Voie est Libre,' or 'The Way is Free,' is demanding that construction of the highway be halted until all judicial decisions have been made. Not all expropriations for farmers have been resolved. Opponents argue that reprofiling the N126 would be sufficient for the anticipated 6,000 vehicles 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 ID	#11012802
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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