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

The Gendarmerie Mobile is currently using a new vehicle, the Centaure, near the 'Crem'Arbre' ZAD in the woods of Saix, Tarn Department, France, on February 21, 2024. Opponents of the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres have established a ZAD, or Zone To Defend, named 'Crem'Arbre', and individuals known as 'Ecureuils' ('Squirrels') are living in the trees to prevent them from being cut down. The Gendarmerie Mobile (riot police) 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. A special unit of policemen, CNAMO, is also involved in efforts to dislodge the 'Ecureuils' from their trees. After two days, the police 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 main collective 'La Voie est Libre' ('The Way is Free') is demanding that construction of the highway be halted until all judicial decisions are 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 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	#11012824
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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