Editorial photo #11012806 Social Issue
A69: Riot Police Try To Dislodge 4ecureuils' At The 'Crem'Arbre' ZAD
Gendarmes Mobiles are standing guard near the 'Crem'Arbre' ZAD in Saix, France, on February 21, 2024. A hut occupied by 'Ecureuils' is visible above the police trucks. In the woods of the Tarn Department on the planned A69 highway route between Toulouse and Castres, opponents have established a ZAD named 'Crem'Arbre' to defend the area, and 'Ecureuils,' who live in the trees, are actively blocking the cutting of the trees. The Gendarmes Mobiles have intervened to clear the ZAD of all opponents and are now standing guard to prevent sympathizers from supplying food and water to the 'Ecureuils' in the trees. Despite the police's efforts over two days, they have only managed to dislodge one 'Ecureuil.' The LDH (Human Rights League) 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' 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)
