"Free Association"

#13085492

11 December 2025

One of the main lawyers for opponents of the A69 highway, Julie Rover, receives applause when quitting the court. A final hearing on the legality of the environmental authorizations for the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres takes place in the Administrative Court of Appeal of Toulouse, France, on December 11, 2025. Plaintiffs against the A69 ask the court to nullify all environmental authorizations given for the A69 project. Opponents gather in front of the Administrative Court of Appeal during the hearings. They argue that this highway is not legally sound, that NGE/Atosca (builders) do not respect even their own documents about ecological compensations, and there are issues of violence against opponents and non-compliance with regulations. NGE/Atosca and the Minister of Ecology plead that this highway is 'necessary by nature' and that the first decision of the Administrative Court to scrap the authorizations is an 'anomaly'. The verdict will be given on December 30, 2025. The main association 'La Voie est Libre' (i.e., 'The Way is Free') wants the building of the highway to be stopped until all judicial decisions on the content are given. Opponents of this project say that the reprofiling of the N126 will 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.

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#13085493

11 December 2025

Gille Garrick, an opponent of the main collective of opponents, speaks to the crowd after the end of the hearings in the Administrative Court of Appeal of Toulouse. A final hearing on the legality of the environmental authorizations for the planned highway A69 between Toulouse and Castres takes place in the Administrative Court of Appeal of Toulouse. Plaintiffs against the A69 ask the court to nullify all environmental authorizations given for the A69 project. Opponents gather in front of the Administrative Court of Appeal during the hearings. They argue that this highway is not legally sound, that NGE/Atosca (builders) do not respect even their own documents about ecological compensations, violence against opponents, non-respect of regulations, etc. NGE/Atosca and the Minister of Ecology plead that this highway is 'necessary by nature' and that the first decision of the Administrative Court to scrap the authorizations is an 'anomaly'. The verdict will be given on December 30, 2025. The main association 'La Voie est Libre' (i.e., 'The Way is Free') wants the building of the highway to be stopped until all the justice decisions on the content are given. Opponents of this project say that the reprofiling of the N126 will 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. This takes place in Toulouse, France, on December 11, 2025.

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#13085494

11 December 2025

Gille Garrick, an opponent of the main collective of opponents, speaks to the crowd after the end of the hearings in the Administrative Court of Appeal of Toulouse. A final hearing on the legality of the environmental authorizations for the planned highway A69 between Toulouse and Castres takes place in the Administrative Court of Appeal of Toulouse. Plaintiffs against the A69 ask the court to nullify all environmental authorizations given for the A69 project. Opponents gather in front of the Administrative Court of Appeal during the hearings. They argue that this highway is not legally sound, that NGE/Atosca (builders) do not respect even their own documents about ecological compensations, violence against opponents, non-respect of regulations, etc. NGE/Atosca and the Minister of Ecology plead that this highway is 'necessary by nature' and that the first decision of the Administrative Court to scrap the authorizations is an 'anomaly'. The verdict will be given on December 30, 2025. The main association 'La Voie est Libre' (i.e., 'The Way is Free') wants the building of the highway to be stopped until all the justice decisions on the content are given. Opponents of this project say that the reprofiling of the N126 will 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. This takes place in Toulouse, France, on December 11, 2025.

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#13085496

11 December 2025

One of the plaintiffs' lawyers, Mr. Faro, speaks to opponents after the hearings in front of the Administrative Court of Appeal. A final hearing on the legality of the environmental authorizations for the planned highway A69 between Toulouse and Castres takes place in the Administrative Court of Appeal of Toulouse. Plaintiffs against the A69 ask the court to nullify all environmental authorizations given for the A69 project. Opponents gather in front of the Administrative Court of Appeal during the hearings. They argue that this highway is not legally sound, that NGE/Atosca (builders) do not respect even their own documents about ecological compensations, violence against opponents, non-compliance with regulations, etc. NGE/Atosca and the Minister of Ecology plead that this highway is 'necessary by nature' and that the first decision of the Administrative Court to scrap the authorizations is an 'anomaly'. The verdict will be given on December 30, 2025. The main association 'La Voie est Libre' (i.e., 'The Way is Free') wants the building of the highway to be stopped until all the justice decisions on the content are given. Opponents of this project say that the reprofiling of the N126 will 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. This takes place in Toulouse, France, on December 11, 2025.

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#13040123

30 November 2025

A feminist activist shouts slogans while raising a sign reading in Arabic ''No to silencing free voices'' during a march organized by feminist groups, including the Tunisian Association of the Democratic Women (ATFD), in Tunis, Tunisia, on November 29, 2025. The demonstration brings together hundreds of human rights defenders, feminist activists, opposition parties, civil society members, and ordinary Tunisians, who denounce what protesters describe as a growing crackdown on freedoms, criminalization of civil society, and restrictions on public space imposed by Tunisian authorities. Participants also condemn the suspension of the activities of dozens of associations and organizations, as well as the rising gender-based violence. They show solidarity with opposition figures recently sentenced on appeal in the ''conspiracy against state security'' case.

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#13040039

30 November 2025

A young feminist activist raises a sign reading in Arabic, ''there is no free nation without free women,'' during a march organized by feminist groups, including the Tunisian Association of the Democratic Women (ATFD), in Tunis, Tunisia, on November 29, 2025. The demonstration brings together hundreds of human rights defenders, feminist activists, opposition parties, civil society members, and ordinary Tunisians, who denounce what protesters describe as a growing crackdown on freedoms, criminalization of civil society, and restrictions on public space imposed by Tunisian authorities. Participants also condemn the suspension of the activities of dozens of associations and organizations, as well as the rising gender-based violence. They show solidarity with opposition figures recently sentenced on appeal in the ''conspiracy against state security'' case.

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#13040328

30 November 2025

A feminist activist raises a placard reading in Arabic, ''I will not be a free woman as long as there are imprisoned women,'' during a march organized by feminist groups, including the Tunisian Association of the Democratic Women (ATFD), in Tunis, Tunisia, on November 29, 2025. The demonstration brings together hundreds of human rights defenders, feminist activists, opposition parties, civil society members, and ordinary Tunisians. They denounce what protesters describe as a growing crackdown on freedoms, criminalization of civil society, and restrictions on public space imposed by Tunisian authorities. Participants also condemn the suspension of the activities of dozens of associations and organizations, as well as the rising gender-based violence. They show solidarity with opposition figures recently sentenced on appeal in the ''conspiracy against state security'' case.

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#13040339

30 November 2025

Women raise a placard featuring a portrait of imprisoned lawyer and president of the Free Destourian Party, Abir Moussi, with text in Arabic: ''Who is running the judiciary today?'' during a march organized by feminist groups, including the Tunisian Association of the Democratic Women (ATFD), in Tunis, Tunisia, on November 29, 2025. The demonstration brings together hundreds of human rights defenders, feminist activists, opposition parties, civil society members, and ordinary Tunisians, who denounce what protesters describe as a growing crackdown on freedoms, criminalization of civil society, and restrictions on public space imposed by Tunisian authorities. Participants also condemn the suspension of the activities of dozens of associations and organizations, as well as the rising gender-based violence. They show solidarity with opposition figures recently sentenced on appeal in the ''conspiracy against state security'' case.

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#13035675

28 November 2025

A sheet reads 'Lawyer' on a bench inside the Administrative Court of Appeal of Toulouse before the hearings. A rare hearing takes place in the Administrative Court of Appeal of Toulouse: plaintiffs against the A69 are joined by the SAF (Union of French Lawyers) to request the recusal of two judges of the panel who participated in a ruling reauthorizing the continuation of works on the planned A69 highway. Plaintiffs have already asked these judges to recuse themselves, and they refused. Plaintiffs go to the Administrative Court of Appeal, stating that these judges must be recused to protect the confidence of French citizens in the administrative courts and the entire judicial system. Lawyers also plead for the impartiality of justice. More than a dozen lawyers are present as this is a very rare case in the French justice system. According to custom, if a judge has already judged a case, he recuses himself if the same case goes to court again. The main association 'La Voie est Libre' (i.e., 'The Way is Free'), opponents want the construction of the highway to be stopped until all judicial decisions on the content are given. Opponents of this project say that the reprofiling of the N126 will 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. This takes place in Toulouse, France, on November 28, 2025.

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#13035678

28 November 2025

A poster reads 'Lawyers Environment' inside the Administrative Court of Appeal of Toulouse. A rare hearing takes place in the Administrative Court of Appeal of Toulouse: plaintiffs against the A69 are joined by the SAF (Union of French Lawyers) to request the recusal of two judges of the panel who participated in a ruling reauthorizing the continuation of works on the planned A69 highway. Plaintiffs have already asked these judges to recuse themselves, and they refused. Plaintiffs go to the Administrative Court of Appeal, stating these judges must be recused to protect the confidence of French citizens in the administrative courts and the entire judicial system. Lawyers also plead for the impartiality of justice. More than a dozen lawyers are present, as this is a very rare case in the French justice system. According to custom, if a judge has already judged a case, he recuses himself if the same case goes to court again. The main association 'La Voie est Libre' (i.e., 'The Way is Free') wants the construction of the highway to be stopped until all judicial decisions on the content are given. Opponents of this project say that the reprofiling of the N126 will be sufficient for the 6,000 vehicles planned per day and would cost far less money. The A69 highway costs EUR512 million (in 2018 euros without inflation) for 54 kilometers. This takes place in Toulouse, France, on November 28, 2025.

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#13035684

28 November 2025

A rare hearing takes place in the Administrative Court of Appeal of Toulouse, France, on November 28, 2025, where plaintiffs against the A69 are joined by the SAF (Union of French Lawyers) to request the recusal of two judges from the panel who participated in a ruling that reauthorized the continuation of work on the planned A69 highway. Plaintiffs have already asked these judges to recuse themselves, but they refused. Plaintiffs approach the Administrative Court of Appeal, stating that these judges must be recused to protect the confidence of French citizens in the administrative courts and the entire judicial system. Lawyers also argue for the impartiality of justice. More than a dozen lawyers are present, as this is a very rare case in the French justice system. According to custom, if a judge has already judged a case, they recuse themselves if the same case returns to court. The main association, 'La Voie est Libre' (i.e., 'The Way is Free'), wants the construction of the highway to be stopped until all judicial decisions on the content are made. Opponents of the project say that the reprofiling of the N126 will suffice 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.

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#13035676

28 November 2025

Lawyers for the plaintiffs discuss before the hearings. A rare hearing takes place in the Administrative Court of Appeal of Toulouse, France, on November 28, 2025, with plaintiffs against the A69 joined by the SAF (Union of French Lawyers) to request the recusal of two judges of the panel who participated in a ruling reauthorizing the continuation of works on the planned A69 highway. Plaintiffs have already asked these judges to recuse themselves, and they refused. Plaintiffs go to the Administrative Court of Appeal, stating these judges must be recused to protect the confidence of French citizens in the administrative courts and the entire judicial system. Lawyers also plead for the impartiality of justice. More than a dozen lawyers are present as this is a very rare case in the French justice system. According to custom, if a judge has already judged a case, he recuses himself if the same case goes again in courts. The main association 'La Voie est Libre' (i.e., 'The Way is Free') wants the construction of the highway to be stopped until all judicial decisions on the content are given. Opponents of this project say that the reprofiling of the N126 will 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.

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#13035679

28 November 2025

An opponent of the planned A69 highway holds a placard reading 'to fight is good for health' in front of the Administrative Court of Appeal of Toulouse after the hearings. A rare hearing takes place in the Administrative Court of Appeal of Toulouse, where plaintiffs against the A69 are joined by the SAF (Union of French Lawyers) to request the recusal of two judges who participated in a ruling that reauthorized the continuation of work on the planned A69 highway. Plaintiffs have already asked these judges to recuse themselves, but they refused. Plaintiffs go to the Administrative Court of Appeal, stating that these judges must be recused to protect the confidence of French citizens in the administrative courts and the entire judicial system. Lawyers also argue for the impartiality of the justice system. More than a dozen lawyers are present, as this is a very rare case in the French justice system. According to custom, if a judge has already judged a case, he recuses himself if the same case goes to court again. The main association, 'La Voie est Libre' (i.e., 'The Way is Free'), wants the construction of the highway to be stopped until all judicial decisions on the matter are made. Opponents of this project say that the reprofiling of the N126 will 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 in Toulouse, France, on November 28, 2025.

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#13035680

28 November 2025

Gilles Garric, an opponent, speaks after the hearing on the recusal of some judges. A rare hearing takes place in the Administrative Court of Appeal of Toulouse, France, on November 28, 2025. Plaintiffs against the A69 are joined by the SAF (Union of French Lawyers) to request the recusal of two judges of the panel who participated in a ruling reauthorizing the continuation of works on the planned A69 highway. Plaintiffs have already asked these judges to recuse themselves, and they refused. Plaintiffs go to the Administrative Court of Appeal, stating that these judges must be recused to protect the confidence of French citizens in the administrative courts and the entire judicial system. Lawyers also plead for the impartiality of justice. More than a dozen lawyers are present, as this is a very rare case in the French justice system. According to custom, if a judge has already judged a case, he recuses himself if the same case goes to court again. The main association, 'La Voie est Libre' (i.e., 'The Way is Free'), wants the construction of the highway to be stopped until all judicial decisions on the content are given. Opponents of this project say that the reprofiling of the N126 will 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.

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#13035681

28 November 2025

Lawyer Alice Terrasse for the plaintiffs speaks to the press after the hearings. A rare hearing takes place in the Administrative Court of Appeal of Toulouse, France, on November 28, 2025, where plaintiffs against the A69 are joined by the SAF (Union of French Lawyers) to request the recusal of two judges of the panel who participated in a ruling reauthorizing the works to continue on the planned A69 highway. Plaintiffs have already asked these judges to recuse themselves, and they refused. Plaintiffs go to the Administrative Court of Appeal, stating these judges must be recused to protect the confidence of French citizens in the administrative courts and the entire judicial system. Lawyers also plead for the impartiality of the justice system. More than a dozen lawyers are present as this is a very rare case in the French justice system. According to custom, if a judge has already judged a case, he recuses himself if the same case goes again in courts. The main association 'La Voie est Libre' (i.e., 'The Way is Free') wants the building of the highway to be stopped until all the judicial decisions on the content are given. Opponents of this project say that the reprofiling of the N126 will 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.

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#13035682

28 November 2025

A poster reads 'Lawyers Environment' inside the Administrative Court of Appeal. A rare hearing takes place in the Administrative Court of Appeal of Toulouse, France, on November 28, 2025. Plaintiffs against the A69 are joined by the SAF (Union of French Lawyers) to request the recusal of two judges of the panel who participated in a ruling reauthorizing the continuation of works on the planned A69 highway. Plaintiffs have already asked these judges to recuse themselves, and they refused. Plaintiffs go to the Administrative Court of Appeal, stating these judges must be recused to protect the confidence of French citizens in the administrative courts and the entire judicial system. Lawyers also plead for the impartiality of justice. More than a dozen lawyers are present as this is a very rare case in the French justice system. According to custom, if a judge has already judged a case, he recuses himself if the same case goes again in courts. The main association 'La Voie est Libre' (i.e., 'The Way is Free'), opponents want the building of the highway to stop until all judicial decisions on the content are given. Opponents of this project say that the reprofiling of the N126 is sufficient for the 6,000 vehicles planned per day and would cost far less money. The A69 highway costs EUR512 million (in 2018 euros without inflation) for 54 kilometers.

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