Editorial photo #11090638 Social Issue
A69: Mp Anne Stambach Terrenoir Blocked By Police To Supplu 'Ecureuils' With Food And Medecines
MP Anne Stambach-Terrenoir is arguing with policemen while holding a postcard depicting a squirrel in Saix, France, on March 22, 2024. Following the legally binding report by Michel Forst, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, which demands the resupply of 'Ecureuils' (squirrels) living in the trees of the 'Crem'Arbre' ZAD (Zone To Defend), activists from LVEL (La Voie Est Libre or The Way Is Free) and MP Anne Stambach-Terrenoir are trying unsuccessfully to deliver a doctor's prescription and medicine to an 'Ecureuil'. The 'Ecureuils' and their trees have been besieged by police for more than a month, with officers refusing to deliver the medicines to the 'Ecureuils' or to allow journalists to do their job. Riot police are standing guard near the trees occupied by the 'Ecureuils' to prevent the supply of food and water by sympathizers. The main collective 'La Voie est Libre' is demanding that the construction of the A69 highway be halted until all judicial decisions are made. The expropriations for farmers have not been resolved. Opponents of the project argue that the reprofiling of the N126 would be sufficient for the planned 6,000 vehicles per day and would cost far less than the A69 highway, which is estimated to cost EUR512 million (in 2018 euros without inflation) for 53 kilometers. The construction would also destroy the habitats of more than 100 protected species and 400 hectares of agricultural land. (Photo by Alain Pitton/NurPhoto)
