Editorial photo #11018193 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 is speaking on the phone 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 allegations of excessive police violence and deprivation of food and water are true. During his visit, the riot police did not allow any media to follow him into the ZAD, nor were the two Members of Parliament, Karen Erodi and Anne Stambach-Terrenoir, allowed to enter. Opponents of the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres have established a ZAD called 'Crem'Arbre', where individuals known as '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 the 'Ecureuils' to block the supply of food and water by sympathizers. Despite the police's efforts over two days, they have only managed to dislodge one 'Ecureuil'. However, new trees are now 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. 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)
