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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

An 'Ecureuil' is discussing with Michel Forst in the 'Crem'Arbre' ZAD 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 allegations of excessive police violence, deprivation of food and water, etc. During his visit, the riot police did not allow any media to follow 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 '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 standing guard near the trees occupied by 'Ecureuils' to block the supply of food and water by sympathizers. The Gendarmes Mobiles have cleared the nearby area of all opponents, and a special unit of policemen, CNAMO, is intervening to dislodge the 'Ecureuils' from their trees. After two days of police efforts, they have dislodged only 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 construction be halted until all judicial decisions on the matter are made. All expropriations for farmers have not been resolved. Opponents argue that reprofiling the N126 would be sufficient for the 6,000 vehicles planned per day and would cost far less money. The A69 highway is projected to cost EUR512 million (in 2018 euros without inflation) for 54 kilometers, and its construction would destroy more than 100 protected species and 400 hectares of agricultural fields. (Photo by Alain Pitton/NurPhoto)

Photo Details

Photo ID	#11018174
Date Taken	22 February 2024
Location	N/A
Photographer	Alain Pitton/NurPhoto
Category	Environmental Issue
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Alain Pitton/NurPhoto

Related Keywords

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