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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

Michel Forst is speaking to an 'Ecureuil' living in the trees in Saix, Tarn, France, on February 22, 2024. As the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, he is visiting the 'Crem'Arbre' ZAD (Zone To Defend) to see for himself whether the allegations of excessive police violence and deprivation of food and water are true. During his visit, the media and even two MPs, Karen Erodi and Anne Stambach-Terrenoir, are not allowed to enter the ZAD by the riot police. Opponents of the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres have set up the 'Crem'Arbre' ZAD, where 'Ecureuils' (squirrels) are living in the trees to prevent them from being cut down. The Gendarmes Mobiles (riot police) are intervening to clear the ZAD of all opponents and are now standing guard near the trees to block the supply of food and water by sympathizers. They have cleared the area of opponents and a special unit of policemen, CNAMO, is working to dislodge the 'Ecureuils' from their trees. After two days of effort, the police have only managed to dislodge one 'Ecureuil', 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 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 much less. The A69 highway is projected to cost EUR512 million (in 2018 euros, excluding inflation) for 54 kilometers, and its construction would destroy over 100 protected species and 400 hectares of agricultural land. (Photo by Alain Pitton/NurPhoto)

Photo Details

Photo ID	#11018163
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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