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Michel Forst, United Nations Special Rapporteur On The Situation Of Human Rights Defenders, Came To The 'Crem'Arbre' ZAD Against The A69

A Gendarme Mobile is standing guard in Saix, Tarn, France, on February 22, 2024. Michel Forst, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, is visiting the 'Crem'Arbre' ZAD (Zone To Defend) to see for himself if there are any truths to the allegations of excessive police violence, deprivation of food and water, and other issues. During his visit, the riot police did not allow any media to accompany him into the ZAD, nor were the two Members of Parliament, Karen Erodi and Anne Stambach-Terrenoir, permitted to enter. Opponents of the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres have established a ZAD called 'Crem'Arbre', where individuals nicknamed 'Ecureuils' ('squirrels') are living in trees to prevent them from being cut down. The Gendarmes Mobiles (riot police) have intervened to clear the ZAD of all opponents and are now maintaining a presence near the trees occupied by the 'Ecureuils' to prevent sympathizers from supplying them with food and water. The Gendarmes Mobiles have cleared the area of opponents, and a special unit of policemen, CNAMO, has been working to dislodge the 'Ecureuils' from their trees. After two days of police efforts, they have only managed to dislodge one 'Ecureuil'. However, 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 highway project be halted until all judicial decisions on the matter are made. The expropriations for farmers have not been resolved. Opponents argue that reprofiling the N126 would be sufficient for the 6,000 vehicles expected per day and would cost significantly less money. The A69 highway is projected to cost EUR512 million (in 2018 euros, not accounting for 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 Details

Photo ID	#11018160
Date Taken	22 February 2024
Location	N/A
Photographer	Alain Pitton/NurPhoto
Category	Environmental Issue
Copyright	© 2025 NurPhoto - Alain Pitton/NurPhoto

Related Keywords

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