"Not One Less"

#11018182

23 Feb 2024

A protester is standing on the stump of a tree that was cut two days ago. 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 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. Opponents have set up a ZAD called 'Crem'Arbre' on the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres, and individuals nicknamed '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 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 fields.

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#11018184

23 Feb 2024

Members of Parliament Anne Stambach-Terrenoir (left) and Karen Erodi 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 (Zone To Defend) in Saix, Tarn, France, on February 22, 2024, 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, not even the two MPs, Karen Erodi and Anne Stambach-Terrenoir. Opponents have installed 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 Gendarmerie Mobile (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 Gendarmerie Mobile 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) wants the highway construction to be halted until all judicial decisions on the matter are made. All expropriations for farmers have not been settled. 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, and its construction would destroy more than 100 protected species and 400 hectares of agricultural fields.

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#11018188

23 Feb 2024

''Squirrels'' are standing in different trees. 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 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 have installed a ZAD called ''Crem'Arbre'' on the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres, 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 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 ''Squirrels'' from their trees. After two days of police efforts, they have dislodged only one ''Squirrel.'' However, new trees are being occupied by ''Squirrels'' 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 settled. 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.

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#11018191

23 Feb 2024

An excavator operated by NGE/ATOSCA has felled a tree. All work in this zone is prohibited until September 1, 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 the allegations of excessive police violence, deprivation of food and water, etc., are true. During his visit, the riot police did not allow any media to accompany him in the ZAD. Even the two Members of Parliament, Karen Erodi and Anne Stambach-Terrenoir, were not permitted entry. Opponents have installed 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 from 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 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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#11018193

23 Feb 2024

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.

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#11018196

23 Feb 2024

An 'Ecureuil' is standing in a tree at the 'Crem'Arbre' ZAD. Michel Forst, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, is visiting the 'Crem'Arbre' ZAD (i.e., '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 in the ZAD. Even the two MPs, Karen Erodi and Anne Stambach-Terrenoir, are not allowed. In Saix, France, on the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres, opponents have installed a ZAD dubbed 'Crem'Arbre' (i.e., ZAD: Zone To Defend), and 'Ecureuils' ('squirrels') are living in the trees to block their cutting. 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 place nearby of all opponents as 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' (i.e., 'The Way is Free') 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. This is happening in Saix, Tarn, France, on February 22, 2024.

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#11018197

23 Feb 2024

Protesters are displaying a placard that reads 'Stop the Prefet' 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 are they allowing the two Members of Parliament, Karen Erodi and Anne Stambach-Terrenoir. Opponents have set up a ZAD on the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres, and individuals nicknamed '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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#11018198

23 Feb 2024

Police officers from the CNAMo are arresting an 'Ecureuil' in very dangerous conditions while Michel Forst is present. 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 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. 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) 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 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 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. 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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#11018199

23 Feb 2024

Michel Forst is speaking on the phone while policemen are arresting an 'Ecureuil' in a tree in a very dangerous situation in Saix, 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 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 allowed. Opponents have installed a ZAD called 'Crem'Arbre' on the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres, and 'Ecureuils' (squirrels) are living in the trees to block their cutting. 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 as a special unit of policemen from 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' (The Way is Free) wants the highway to be stopped until all the judicial decisions on the matter are given. All expropriations for farmers are not 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 400 hectares of agricultural fields will be destroyed.

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#11012765

21 Feb 2024

''Squirrels'' are currently living in a centuries-old oak tree in the woods of Saix, Tarn Department, France, on February 21, 2024, to prevent its cutting for the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres. Opponents of the project have established a Zone To Defend (ZAD) named 'Crem'Arbre,' where these ''squirrels'' are occupying trees to hinder their removal. Riot police, known as Gendarmes Mobiles, are intervening 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 ''squirrels.'' Despite two days of police efforts, only one ''squirrel'' has been dislodged. The Human Rights League (LDH) is providing medical supplies to the ''squirrels.'' Meanwhile, new trees are being occupied by ''squirrels'' at a new location called 'Cal'Arbre.' The collective 'La Voie est Libre' is demanding a halt to the highway construction until all judicial decisions are made. The expropriation of farmers' land is not yet resolved. Project opponents argue that upgrading the N126 would be sufficient for the anticipated 6,000 vehicles per day and would be much less costly. 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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#11012768

21 Feb 2024

Opponents of the A69 highway project are currently living in huts in the trees in Saix, Tarn, France, on February 21, 2024, to prevent the cutting of trees for the construction of the planned highway between Toulouse and Castres. They have established a Zone To Defend (ZAD) called 'Crem'Arbre,' and are referred to as 'Ecureuils' or 'squirrels.' Riot police, known as Gendarmes Mobiles, are intervening to remove the opponents and are now standing guard near the trees to prevent sympathizers from supplying the 'Ecureuils' with food and water. Despite two days of effort by the police, only one 'Ecureuil' has been dislodged. The Human Rights League (LDH) has arrived to provide medical supplies to the 'Ecureuils.' Meanwhile, new trees are being occupied by 'Ecureuils' at a different location called 'Cal'Arbre.' The collective 'La Voie est Libre' is demanding that construction of the highway be halted until all judicial decisions are made. Not all expropriations for farmers have been resolved. Project opponents argue that upgrading the existing 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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#11012802

21 Feb 2024

A sympathizer of the 'Ecureuils' is facing off against the Gendarmes Mobiles in the woods in Saix, Tarn, France, on February 21, 2024. Opponents of the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres have set up a Zone To Defend (ZAD) called 'Crem'Arbre,' where 'Ecureuils,' or 'squirrels,' are living in trees to prevent them from being cut down. The Gendarmes Mobiles, a riot police unit, 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 them with food and water. Despite two days of police efforts, they have only managed to dislodge one 'Ecureuil.' The Human Rights League (LDH) has arrived to provide medical supplies to the 'Ecureuils.' Meanwhile, new trees are being occupied by 'Ecureuils' at a new location called 'Cal'Arbre.' The collective 'La Voie est Libre,' or 'The Way is Free,' is demanding that construction of the highway be halted until all judicial decisions have been made. Not all expropriations for farmers have 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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#11012826

21 Feb 2024

Opponents to the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres are living in huts called 'Ecureuils' in the 'Crem'Arbre' ZAD in the woods in Saix, Tarn, France, on February 21, 2024. They are occupying trees to prevent them from being cut down. Riot police, known as Gendarmes Mobiles, 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. Despite two days of police efforts, only one 'Ecureuil' has been dislodged. The Human Rights League (LDH) is providing medical supplies to the 'Ecureuils'. Meanwhile, new trees are being occupied by 'Ecureuils' in a new area called 'Cal'Arbre'. The collective 'La Voie est Libre' is demanding that the construction of the highway be halted until all judicial decisions have been made. The expropriations for farmers have not been resolved. Opponents argue that upgrading 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 destroy over 100 protected species and 400 hectares of agricultural land.

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#11012770

21 Feb 2024

Two protesters are looking at an oak tree where 'Ecureuils' are preparing to live to prevent its cutting for the A69 highway. In the woods in Saix, Tarn Department, on the planned A69 highway route between Toulouse and Castres, opponents of the project have set up a ZAD named 'Crem'Arbre' (Zone To Defend), and 'Ecureuils' (squirrels) are living in the trees to stop 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, has intervened to dislodge the 'Ecureuils' from their trees. After two days of police efforts, they have only managed to dislodge one 'Ecureuil'. The LDH (Human Rights League) has arrived to provide medical supplies to the 'Ecureuils'. Meanwhile, 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 construction of the highway be halted until all judicial decisions have been made. 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 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. This is taking place in Saix, Tarn, France, on February 21, 2024.

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#11012773

21 Feb 2024

'Ecureuils' are currently equipping a tree to live in it and are blocking its cutting for the A69 highway project. In the woods in Saix, Tarn Departement, on the planned route of the A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres, opponents have established a ZAD named 'Crem'Arbre' and 'Ecureuils' 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 also 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 managed to dislodge one 'Ecureuil'. The LDH (Human Rights League) has arrived to provide medical supplies to the 'Ecureuils'. Meanwhile, 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 construction of the highway 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 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 over 100 protected species and 400 hectares of agricultural land. This is happening in Saix, Tarn, France, on February 21, 2024.

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#11012776

21 Feb 2024

Gendarmes Mobiles are standing guard near the 'Crem'Arbre' ZAD under a hut occupied by 'Ecureuils' in the woods in Saix, Tarn, France, on February 21, 2024. In the area planned for the A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres, opponents have established a ZAD, 'Crem'Arbre', 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 prevent sympathizers from supplying them with food and water. A special unit of policemen, CNAMO, has also intervened to dislodge the 'Ecureuils' from their trees. After two days of effort, the police have only managed to dislodge one 'Ecureuil'. The LDH (Human Rights League) has arrived to provide medical supplies to the 'Ecureuils'. Meanwhile, new trees are being occupied by 'Ecureuils' at a new location called 'Cal'Arbre'. The main collective 'La Voie est Libre' is demanding that construction of the highway be halted until all judicial decisions have been made. Not all expropriations for farmers have 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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