"Not One Less"

#11018160

23 Feb 2024

A Gendarme Mobile is standing guard 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 any truths to the allegations of excessive police violence, deprivation of food and water, and other issues. During his visit, the riot police did not allow any media to accompany him into the ZAD, nor were the two Members of Parliament, Karen Erodi and Anne Stambach-Terrenoir, permitted to enter. Opponents of the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres have established a ZAD called 'Crem'Arbre', where individuals nicknamed '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 maintaining a presence near the trees occupied by the 'Ecureuils' to prevent sympathizers from supplying them with food and water. The Gendarmes Mobiles have cleared the area of opponents, and a special unit of policemen, CNAMO, has been 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' 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 money. The A69 highway is projected to cost EUR512 million (in 2018 euros, not accounting for inflation) for 54 kilometers, and its construction would result in the destruction of over 100 protected species and 400 hectares of agricultural land.

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#11018161

23 Feb 2024

MP Karen Erodi is speaking with a Gendarme Mobile, hoping to get the opportunity to speak with the 'Ecureuils' in 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, nor even the two MPs, Karen Erodi and Anne Stambach-Terrenoir. In response to the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres, opponents have set up a ZAD called 'Crem'Arbre', where 'Ecureuils' (squirrels) are living in trees to prevent them from being cut down. The Gendarme Mobiles (riot police) are intervening 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 Gendarme Mobiles have cleared the 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. 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.

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#11018162

23 Feb 2024

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, Tarn, 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, and other concerns. During his visit, the riot police did not allow any media to accompany 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 individuals nicknamed 'Ecureuils' (Squirrels) are living in trees to prevent them from being cut down. The Gendarmes Mobiles (riot police) have intervened to remove all opponents from the ZAD and are now standing guard near the trees to prevent sympathizers from supplying the 'Ecureuils' with food and water. After two days of effort by the police, only one 'Ecureuil' has been dislodged, but 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 project be halted until all judicial decisions have been 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. The A69 highway is projected to cost EUR512 million (in 2018 euros, excluding inflation) for 54 kilometers, and its construction would result in the destruction of over 100 protected species and 400 hectares of agricultural land.

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#11018163

23 Feb 2024

Michel Forst is speaking to an 'Ecureuil' living in the trees 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 the allegations of excessive police violence and deprivation of food and water are true. During his visit, the media and even two MPs, Karen Erodi and Anne Stambach-Terrenoir, are not allowed to enter the ZAD by the riot police. Opponents of the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres have set up the 'Crem'Arbre' ZAD, where '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 to block the supply of food and water by sympathizers. They have cleared the area of opponents and a special unit of policemen, CNAMO, is working to dislodge the 'Ecureuils' from their trees. After two days of effort, the police have only managed to dislodge one 'Ecureuil', but 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 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. 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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#11018164

23 Feb 2024

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 the allegations of excessive police violence, deprivation of food and water, and other issues are true. 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. On the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres, opponents have set up a ZAD called 'Crem'Arbre', 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 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 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 fields.

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#11018165

23 Feb 2024

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 the allegations of excessive police violence, deprivation of food and water, and other issues are true. 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. On the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres, opponents have set up a ZAD called 'Crem'Arbre', 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 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 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 fields.

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#11018166

23 Feb 2024

Michel Forst is speaking with MPs Karen Erodi and Anne Stambach-Terrenoir. As the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, he is visiting the 'Crem'Arbre' ZAD (Zone To Defend) in Saix, Tarn, 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, and other concerns. During his visit, the riot police are not allowing any media to accompany him into the ZAD, and even MPs Karen Erodi and Anne Stambach-Terrenoir are being denied entry. Opponents of the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres have established a ZAD called 'Crem'Arbre', where individuals nicknamed 'Ecureuils' ('squirrels') are living in trees to prevent them from being cut down. The Gendarmes Mobiles (riot police) are intervening to remove all opponents from the ZAD and are now standing guard near the trees occupied by the 'Ecureuils' to prevent sympathizers from supplying them with food and water. The Gendarmes Mobiles have cleared the area of 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' (The Way is Free) 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 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.

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#11018167

23 Feb 2024

Michel Forst is speaking to the press. 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 are not allowing any media to follow him into the ZAD. Even the two MPs, Karen Erodi and Anne Stambach-Terrenoir, are not allowed. In Saix, France, on February 22, 2024, opponents have set up a ZAD called 'Crem'Arbre' on the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres, and '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 '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) wants the highway project to be stopped until all judicial decisions on the matter are made. All expropriations for farmers have not been settled. 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 fields.

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#11018168

23 Feb 2024

Michel Forst, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, is speaking to the press in Saix, Tarn, France, on February 22, 2024. He 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, nor even the two Members of Parliament, Karen Erodi and Anne Stambach-Terrenoir. Opponents of the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres have set up a ZAD called 'Crem'Arbre', 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 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' ('The Way is Free') is demanding that the highway construction be stopped 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 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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#11018169

23 Feb 2024

Police officers from the CNAMO are preparing to intervene in the 'Crem'Arbre' ZAD. 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 media are not allowed by the riot police to follow him into the ZAD. Even the two Members of Parliament, Karen Erodi and Anne Stambach-Terrenoir, are not permitted. In Saix, Tarn, France, on the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres, opponents have installed a ZAD named 'Crem'Arbre' (Zone To Defend) where '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 'Ecureuils' to block the supply of food and water by sympathizers. The Gendarmes Mobiles have cleared the nearby area of all opponents as a special unit of CNAMO police officers 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 place called 'Cal'Arbre'. The main collective 'La Voie est Libre' (The Way is Free) wants the highway construction to be halted until all judicial decisions on the matter are made. All expropriations for farmers have not been resolved. Opponents of this 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. More than 100 protected species and 400 hectares of agricultural fields will be destroyed. The events are taking place in Saix, Tarn, France, on February 22, 2024.

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#11018170

23 Feb 2024

Protesters are singing in support of the 'Ecureuils' who are standing in the trees of 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 to see for himself if there are 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, nor even the two MPs, Karen Erodi and Anne Stambach-Terrenoir. Opponents have installed a ZAD on the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres, and 'Ecureuils' are living in the trees to prevent them from being cut down. The Gendarmes Mobiles 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. They 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 place called 'Cal'Arbre'. The main collective 'La Voie est Libre' is demanding that the highway construction be stopped until all judicial decisions on the matter 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 fields.

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#11018171

23 Feb 2024

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, Tarn, 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, and other issues. During his visit, the riot police are not allowing any media to accompany 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 established a ZAD called 'Crem'Arbre', where individuals nicknamed '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 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 being occupied by 'Ecureuils' in a new area called 'Cal'Arbre'. The collective 'La Voie est Libre' (The Way is Free) 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. The A69 highway is projected to cost EUR512 million (in 2018 euros, excluding inflation) for 54 kilometers, and its construction would result in the destruction of over 100 protected species and 400 hectares of agricultural land.

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#11018173

23 Feb 2024

A young woman is drawing a scene near the 'Crem'Arbre' ZAD, where people are being blocked by the Gendarmerie Mobile. Michel Forst, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, is visiting the 'Crem'Arbre' ZAD to see for himself if there are 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 MPs, Karen Erodi and Anne Stambach-Terrenoir, are not allowed. In Saix, Tarn, France, on February 22, 2024, opponents have installed a ZAD on the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres, dubbed 'Crem'Arbre', and 'Ecureuils' ('squirrels') are living in the trees to prevent them from being cut down. The Gendarmerie Mobile is intervening to clear the ZAD of all opponents and is now standing guard near the trees occupied by 'Ecureuils' to block the supply of food and water by sympathizers. They 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 place called 'Cal'Arbre'. The main collective 'La Voie est Libre' wants the highway to be stopped until all the justice decisions on the content are given. All expropriations for farmers aren't cleared. Opponents of this project say 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 will cost EUR512 million (in 2018 euros without inflation) for 54 kilometers. More than 100 protected species and 400ha of agricultural fields will be destroyed.

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#11018174

23 Feb 2024

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.

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#11018177

23 Feb 2024

Protesters are waiting for the arrival of Michel Forst at 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, and other issues. During his visit, the riot police are not allowing any media to follow him into the ZAD, nor even the two Members of Parliament, Karen Erodi and Anne Stambach-Terrenoir. Opponents of the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres have set up a ZAD called 'Crem'Arbre', and individuals known as '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 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, 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' (The Way is Free) is demanding that the highway project be stopped until all judicial decisions on the matter are made. The expropriations for farmers have not been settled. 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.

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#11018179

23 Feb 2024

Police officers from the CNAMO, in the yellow basket, are attempting to arrest the two 'squirrels' perched in the tree. 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, and other issues. During his visit, the riot police did not allow any media to accompany him into the ZAD. Even the two Members of Parliament, Karen Erodi and Anne Stambach-Terrenoir, were not permitted entry. In Saix, on the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres, opponents have set up a ZAD named 'Crem'Arbre', and '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 'squirrels' 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 CNAMO police officers is intervening to dislodge the 'squirrels' from their trees. After two days of police efforts, they have only managed to dislodge one 'squirrel'. However, new trees are being occupied by 'squirrels' 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 of the project argue that reprofiling the N126 would be sufficient for the 6,000 vehicles expected per day and would cost significantly 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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