"Not One Less"

#11041303

2 Mar 2024

An activist from LVEL is holding a placard that reads, ''You have enough time to quit! Or better ask for a position in the anti-corruption brigade.'' Following the legally binding report by Michel Forst, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, which demanded the resupply of 'Ecureuils' standing in the trees of the 'Crem'Arbre' ZAD (Zone To Defend), activists from LVEL (La Voie Est Libre or The Way Is Free) and other associations are trying to get past the riot police to resupply the 'Ecureuils'. MPs, including Karen Erodialso, have also tried without success. In Saix, Tarn, France, on March 1st, 2024, opponents have set up a ZAD called 'Crem'Arbre', where 'Ecureuils' ('squirrels') are living in the 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, has intervened to dislodge the 'Ecureuils' from their trees. After two days of police efforts, they have only dislodged one 'Ecureuil'. However, new trees are being occupied by 'Ecureuils' in a new place called 'Cal'Arbre'. The main collective 'La Voie est Libre' wants the highway project to be halted until all judicial decisions on the matter are made. All expropriations for farmers have not been settled. Opponents of the project argue that the reprofiling of 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, excluding inflation) for 54 kilometers, and its construction would destroy more than 100 protected species and 400 hectares of agricultural land.

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#11041306

2 Mar 2024

An activist is facing riot police 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), activists from LVEL (La Voie Est Libre, meaning 'The Way Is Free') and other associations are attempting to get past the riot police to deliver supplies. MPs, including Karen Erodial, have also tried unsuccessfully to pass through. Opponents of the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres have established a ZAD called 'Crem'Arbre', where 'Ecureuils' ('squirrels') reside in the trees to prevent them from being cut down. 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 the 'Ecureuils' with food and water. After two days of effort, the police have only managed to dislodge one 'Ecureuil', but new trees are now being occupied by 'Ecureuils' at a new site called 'Cal'Arbre'. The main collective 'La Voie est Libre' 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 anticipated 6,000 vehicles per day and would cost significantly less than the A69 highway, which is estimated to cost EUR512 million (in 2018 euros, excluding inflation) for 54 kilometers. The project threatens to destroy over 100 protected species and 400 hectares of agricultural land.

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#11041308

2 Mar 2024

Riot police are standing in front of a megaphone with 'ACAB' written on it. 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), activists from LVEL (La Voie Est Libre or 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. In Saix, Tarn, France, on March 1, 2024, opponents have set up 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 prevent sympathizers from supplying them with food and water. The Gendarmes Mobiles have cleared the area of all opponents, and a special unit of police, CNAMO, has intervened to dislodge the 'Ecureuils' from their trees. After two days of police efforts, 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', is demanding that the highway project be halted until all judicial decisions have been made. The expropriations for farmers have not been resolved. Opponents argue that the reprofiling of the N126 would be sufficient for the planned 6,000 vehicles 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.

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#11041309

2 Mar 2024

MP Karen Erodi is attempting to supply 'Ecureuils' but is unable to do so. Following the legally binding report by Michel Forst, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, which demands the resupply of 'Ecureuils' standing in the trees of the 'Crem'Arbre' ZAD (Zone To Defend), activists from LVEL (La voie Est Libre or The Way Is Free) and other associations are trying to get past the riot police to resupply 'Ecureuils'. Despite her efforts, MP Karen Erodi is also unsuccessful. In Saix, Tarn, France, on the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres, opponents have set up a ZAD called 'Crem'Arbre', and 'Ecureuils' ('squirrels') are living in the trees to prevent them from being cut down. 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 prevent the supply of food and water by sympathizers. The Gendarmes Mobiles have cleared the area of all opponents, and a special unit of policemen, CNAMO, has intervened to dislodge 'Ecureuils' from their trees. After two days of police efforts, they have only dislodged one 'Ecureuil'. However, new trees are being occupied by 'Ecureuils' in a new place called 'Cal'Arbre'. The main collective 'La Voie est Libre' wants the highway project to be halted until all judicial decisions are made. The expropriations for farmers have not been resolved. Opponents of the project argue that reprofiling the N126 would be sufficient for the 6,000 vehicles planned 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 more than 100 protected species and 400 hectares of agricultural land. The events are taking place in Saix, Tarn, France, on March 1st, 2024.

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#11041310

2 Mar 2024

Geoffroy Tarroux from LVEL is attempting to speak with a riot police officer to provide supplies, including food and water, to the 'Ecureuils'. The 'Ecureuils' have been without supplies for the 16th day. Following the legally binding 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), activists from LVEL (La Voie Est Libre or The Way Is Free) and other associations are trying to get past the riot police to deliver supplies. MPs, including Karen Erodialso, have also tried unsuccessfully. In Saix, Tarn, France, on the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres, opponents have set up a ZAD called 'Crem'Arbre', and 'Ecureuils' (squirrels) are living in the trees to prevent them from being cut down. 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 prevent sympathizers from supplying food and water. The Gendarmes Mobiles have cleared the nearby area of all opponents, and a special unit of police, CNAMO, has intervened to dislodge the 'Ecureuils' from their trees. After two days of police efforts, they have only dislodged one 'Ecureuil'. However, new trees are being occupied by 'Ecureuils' in a new area called 'Cal'Arbre'. The main collective, 'La Voie est Libre', wants the highway project to be halted until all judicial decisions are made. The expropriations for farmers have not been resolved. Opponents of the project 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. The photo was taken in Saix, Tarn, France, on March 1st, 2024. (Photo b

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#11041311

2 Mar 2024

Protesters are trying to break through the ranks of riot police 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), activists from LVEL (La Voie Est Libre or The Way Is Free) and other associations are attempting to pass through the riot police to deliver supplies. MPs, including Karen Erodial, have also tried unsuccessfully to get through. Opponents have set up a ZAD called 'Crem'Arbre' to prevent the cutting of trees for the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres, with 'Ecureuils' ('squirrels') living in the trees to block the work. 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 prevent the supply of food and water by sympathizers. Despite two days of police efforts, they have only managed to dislodge one 'Ecureuil'. However, new trees are being occupied by 'Ecureuils' in a new area called 'Cal'Arbre'. The main collective 'La Voie est Libre' 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 than the A69 highway, which is projected to cost EUR512 million (in 2018 euros without inflation) for 54 kilometers and would result in the destruction of over 100 protected species and 400 hectares of agricultural land.

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#11041312

2 Mar 2024

A protester is being pushed away by riot police 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), activists from LVEL (La Voie Est Libre, meaning 'The Way Is Free') and other associations are attempting to get past the riot police to deliver supplies. MPs, including Karen Erodial, also tried unsuccessfully. Opponents have set up a ZAD called 'Crem'Arbre' to prevent the cutting of trees by living in them, which they have nicknamed 'Ecureuils' ('squirrels'). 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 the 'Ecureuils' with food and water. After two days of effort, the police have only managed to dislodge one 'Ecureuil', but new trees are now being occupied by 'Ecureuils' in a new area called 'Cal'Arbre'. 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 argue that reprofiling the N126 would be sufficient for the anticipated 6,000 vehicles per day and would be much less expensive. 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.

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#11041313

2 Mar 2024

A protester is being pushed away by riot police while holding a placard against the A69 highway 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), activists from LVEL (La Voie Est Libre or 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, also tried unsuccessfully. Opponents have set up a ZAD called 'Crem'Arbre' to prevent the cutting of trees by having 'Ecureuils' ('squirrels') live in them. 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'. After two days of effort, the police have only managed to dislodge one 'Ecureuil', but new trees are now being occupied by 'Ecureuils' in a new area called 'Cal'Arbre'. The collective 'La Voie est Libre' 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 the reprofiling of the N126 would be sufficient for the planned 6,000 vehicles 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.

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#11041314

2 Mar 2024

Protesters are trying to push away riot police to resupply 'Ecureuils'. Following the legally binding report by Michel Forst, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, which demands the resupply of 'Ecureuils' 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 other associations are attempting to get past the riot police to deliver supplies. MPs, including Karen Erodial, have also tried without success. In Saix, Tarn, France, on March 1st, 2024, opponents have set up a ZAD called 'Crem'Arbre' to prevent the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres by having 'Ecureuils' ('squirrels') live in the trees to block their cutting. 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 police, CNAMO, has intervened 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 place called 'Cal'Arbre'. The main collective 'La Voie est Libre' wants the highway project to be halted until all judicial decisions are made. The expropriations for farmers have not been resolved. Opponents of the project 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 land.

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#11041315

2 Mar 2024

Geoffroy Tarroux is attempting to speak to riot policemen at the 'Crem'Arbre' ZAD. Following the legally binding 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 (i.e., 'Zone To Defend'), activists from LVEL (La voie Est Libre, i.e., 'The Way Is Free') and other associations are trying to get past the riot police to deliver supplies to the 'Ecureuils'. MPs, including Karen Erodial, also attempted without success. In Saix, Tarn, on the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres, opponents have set up a ZAD called 'Crem'Arbre', where 'Ecureuils' ('squirrels') are residing in the trees to prevent them from being cut down. 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 prevent sympathizers from supplying food and water. The Gendarmes Mobiles have cleared the area of all opponents, and a special unit of policemen, CNAMO, is working to dislodge the 'Ecureuils' from their trees. After two days of police efforts, they have only managed to dislodge one 'Ecureuil'. However, new trees are being occupied by 'Ecureuils' at a new location called 'Cal'Arbre'. The main collective, 'La Voie est Libre', is demanding that the highway construction be halted until all judicial decisions on the matter are finalized. Not all expropriations for farmers have been resolved. Opponents of the project 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 more than 100 protected species and 400 hectares of agricultural land. The events are taking place in Saix, Tarn, France, on March 1, 2024.

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#11041318

2 Mar 2024

Protesters are trying to push away riot police to resupply 'Ecureuils'. Following the legally binding report by Michel Forst, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, which demands the resupply of 'Ecureuils' 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 other associations are attempting to get past the riot police to deliver supplies. MPs, including Karen Erodial, have also tried without success. In Saix, Tarn, France, on March 1st, 2024, opponents have set up a ZAD called 'Crem'Arbre' to prevent the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres by having 'Ecureuils' ('squirrels') live in the trees to block their cutting. 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 police, CNAMO, has intervened 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 place called 'Cal'Arbre'. The main collective 'La Voie est Libre' wants the highway project to be halted until all judicial decisions are made. The expropriations for farmers have not been resolved. Opponents of the project 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 land.

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#11041319

2 Mar 2024

Protesters are facing riot police to resupply 'Ecureuils'. 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' 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 other associations are attempting to pass through the riot police to resupply 'Ecureuils'. MPs, including Karen Erodial, are also trying without success. In Saix, Tarn, France, on the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres, opponents have installed a ZAD called 'Crem'Arbre', and 'Ecureuils' ('squirrels') are living in the trees to prevent them from being cut down. 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 '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 place called 'Cal'Arbre'. The main collective 'La Voie est Libre' wants the highway project to be halted until all judicial decisions on the matter are made. All expropriations for farmers have not been settled. Opponents of the project argue that the reprofiling of 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. The events are taking place in Saix, Tarn, France, on March 1, 2024.

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#11041320

2 Mar 2024

Geoffroy Tarroux, an activist from LVEL, is being briefly arrested as he attempts to break through the ranks of riot police to resupply the 'Ecureuils'. 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' stationed in the trees of the 'Crem'Arbre' ZAD (Zone To Defend), activists from LVEL (La Voie Est Libre or The Way Is Free) and other associations are trying to get past the riot police to deliver supplies. MPs, including Karen Erodial, are also attempting to resupply the 'Ecureuils' without success. In Saix, Tarn, France, on the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres, opponents have set up a ZAD called 'Crem'Arbre', and 'Ecureuils' ('squirrels') are living in the 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 prevent the delivery of food and water by sympathizers. The Gendarmes Mobiles have cleared the nearby area of all opponents, and a special unit of police, CNAMO, is intervening to dislodge the 'Ecureuils' from their trees. After two days of police efforts, they have only dislodged one 'Ecureuil'. However, new trees are being occupied by 'Ecureuils' in a new area called 'Cal'Arbre'. The main collective, 'La Voie est Libre', wants the highway project to 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 6,000 vehicles expected per day and would cost far less. The A69 highway is projected to cost EUR512 million (in 2018 euros, excluding inflation) for 54 kilometers, and its construction would destroy more than 100 protected species and 400 hectares of agricultural land. The date is March 1st, 2024.

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#11041321

2 Mar 2024

A protester is standing in front of riot police with a placard that reads 'M the Prefet, our rights are your duties'. Following the legally binding 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), activists from LVEL (La Voie Est Libre or 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. In Saix, Tarn, France, on the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres, opponents have set up a ZAD called 'Crem'Arbre', where 'Ecureuils' (squirrels) are living in the trees to prevent them from being cut down. 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 prevent sympathizers from supplying food and water. 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 only managed to dislodge one 'Ecureuil'. However, new trees are being occupied by 'Ecureuils' in a new area 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. The expropriations for farmers have not been resolved. Opponents of the project argue that reprofiling the N126 would be sufficient for the 6,000 vehicles expected per day and would cost far less money. The A69 highway is projected to cost EUR512 million (in 2018 euros, excluding inflation) for 54 kilometers, and its construction would destroy more than 100 protected species and 400 hectares of agricultural land. The events are taking place in Saix, Tarn, France, on March 1, 2024.

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#11018158

23 Feb 2024

A young woman is holding a placard that reads 'Tree = Oxygen = Life' 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, and other issues. During his visit, the riot police are not allowing any media to follow him into the ZAD. Even the two Members of Parliament, Karen Erodi and Anne Stambach-Terrenoir, are not permitted to enter. Opponents have set up a ZAD called 'Crem'Arbre' on the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres, and individuals known as '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 occupied by the '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 only dislodged one 'Ecureuil'. However, new trees are being occupied by 'Ecureuils' in a new place 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 of the project argue that the reprofiling of 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.

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#11018159

23 Feb 2024

A member of the Observatory of Police Practices (OPP) is being blocked by the Gendarmes Mobiles from entering the ZAD. Michel Forst, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, is visiting the 'Crem'Arbre' ZAD (Zone To Defend) in Saix, France, on February 22, 2024, to see for himself if there are any truths to the allegations of excessive police violence, deprivation of food and water, etc. During his visit, the riot police are not allowing any media to follow him into the ZAD. Even the two Members of Parliament, Karen Erodi and Anne Stambach-Terrenoir, are not permitted to enter. Opponents of the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres have set up a ZAD called 'Crem'Arbre', and individuals nicknamed 'Ecureuils' (squirrels) are living in the trees to prevent them from being cut down. The Gendarmes Mobiles are intervening to clear the ZAD of all opponents and are now standing guard near the trees occupied by the 'Ecureuils' to prevent sympathizers from supplying food and water. 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 only managed to dislodge 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. The expropriations for farmers have not 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. The A69 highway is projected to cost EUR512 million (in 2018 euros, excluding inflation) for 54 kilometers, and its construction would destroy more than 100 protected species and 400 hectares of agricultural land.

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