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After The Legally Binding Rapport Of Michel Forst, Activist Try To Resupply Activists In The 'Crem'Arbre' ZAD

Activists are standing in front of riot police with a placard that reads ''torture'' in Saix, Tarn, France, on March 1, 2024. Following the report by Michel Forst, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, which demanded the resupply of 'Ecureuils' living in the trees of the 'Crem'Arbre' ZAD (Zone To Defend), members of LVEL (La Voie Est Libre, meaning 'The Way Is Free') and other associations are attempting to get past the riot police to deliver supplies to the 'Ecureuils'. MPs, including Karen Erodial, have also tried unsuccessfully to pass through. The 'Ecureuils', or 'squirrels', are occupying trees to prevent them from being cut down for the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres. The Gendarmes Mobiles (riot police) have intervened to clear the ZAD of all opponents and are now standing guard near the trees to prevent sympathizers from supplying food and water to the 'Ecureuils'. Despite two days of police efforts, they have only managed to dislodge one 'Ecureuil'. However, new trees are now being occupied by 'Ecureuils' at a new location called 'Cal'Arbre'. The main collective, 'La Voie est Libre', is demanding that the highway project be halted until all judicial decisions have been made, noting that not all expropriations for farmers have been resolved. Opponents argue that the reprofiling of the N126 would be sufficient for the 6,000 vehicles expected per day and would cost significantly less than the A69 highway, which is projected to cost EUR512 million (in 2018 euros, excluding inflation) for 54 kilometers, and would result in the destruction of over 100 protected species and 400 hectares of agricultural land. (Photo by Alain Pitton/NurPhoto)

Photo ID	#11041299
Date Taken	1 March 2024
Location	N/A
Photographer	Alain Pitton/NurPhoto
Category	Social Issue
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Alain Pitton/NurPhoto

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