Editorial photo #11018162 Environmental Issue
Michel Forst, United Nations Special Rapporteur On The Situation Of Human Rights Defenders, Came To The 'Crem'Arbre' ZAD Against The A69
Michel Forst, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, is visiting the 'Crem'Arbre' ZAD (Zone To Defend) in Saix, Tarn, France, on February 22, 2024, to see for himself if there are any truths to the allegations of excessive police violence, deprivation of food and water, and other concerns. During his visit, the riot police did not allow any media to accompany him into the ZAD. Even the two Members of Parliament, Karen Erodi and Anne Stambach-Terrenoir, were not permitted entry. 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 remove all opponents from the ZAD and are now standing guard near the trees to prevent sympathizers from supplying the 'Ecureuils' with food and water. After two days of effort by the police, only one 'Ecureuil' has been dislodged, but 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 have been 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)
