"The activist Thomas Brail stands in a tree near a banner rea..."

#12065010

17 February 2025

The activist Thomas Brail stands in a tree near a banner reading 'Courage Stop A69' in front of the Administrative Court of Toulouse. Thomas Brail, the activist and arborist-climber, and 'Ecureuils' (i.e., 'squirrels') from the GNSA ('National Group of Trees Watching') occupy trees in front of the Administrative Court of Toulouse to say to the justices, 'We are looking at you,' and to raise awareness among passers-by. Tomorrow, the last hearing (in theory) against the environmental authorization to build the A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres takes place at the Administrative Court of Toulouse. In December, surprising everyone, the judge decides to reopen the files instead of giving the court decision on the content. Plaintiffs (LVEL, Attac, Amis de la Terre, D'Ingrando, etc.) against the planned highway A69 go on 'administrative' trial against the French State along with the builder, NGE, and its concessionary Atosca. Alice Terrasse, the main lawyer for 'La Voie Est Libre' (opponents), pleads, among other things, that the main reason for building this highway, a 'Major Imperative for Public Interest,' is invalid, as did before the 'Rapporteur Public'. The main association 'La Voie est Libre' (i.e., 'The Way is Free'), opponents want 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 costs EUR512 million (in 2018 euros without inflation) for 54 kilometers in Toulouse, France, on February 17, 2025.

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#12065002

17 February 2025

Thomas Brail stands near a banner reading 'Courage, Stop A69' in a tree near the Administrative Court of Toulouse. Thomas Brail, an activist and arborist-climber, and 'Ecureuils' (i.e., 'squirrels') from the GNSA ('National Group of Trees Watching') occupy trees in front of the Administrative Court of Toulouse to convey to the justices, 'We are watching you,' and to raise awareness among passers-by. Tomorrow, the last hearing, in theory, against the environmental authorization to build the A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres takes place at the Administrative Court of Toulouse. In December, surprising everyone, the judge decides to reopen the files instead of delivering the court decision on the content. Plaintiffs (LVEL, Attac, Amis de la Terre, D'Ingrando, etc.) against the planned A69 highway go on 'administrative' trial against the French State along with the builder, NGE, and its concessionary Atosca. Alice Terrasse, the main lawyer for 'La Voie Est Libre' (opponents), pleads, among other things, that the main reason for building this highway, a 'Major Imperative for Public Interest,' is invalid, as the 'Rapporteur Public' previously stated. The main association 'La Voie est Libre' (i.e., 'The Way is Free'), opponents want 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 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 in Toulouse, France, on February 17, 2025.

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#12065008

17 February 2025

Two squirrels (Activist Thomas Brail on the left) stand in a tree near the Administrative Court of Toulouse. Thomas Brail, the activist and arborist-climber, and 'Ecureuils' (i.e., 'squirrels') from the GNSA ('National Group of Trees Watching') occupy trees in front of the Administrative Court of Toulouse to convey to the justices, 'We are looking at you,' and to raise awareness among passers-by. Tomorrow, the last hearing (in theory) against the environmental authorization to build the A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres takes place at the Administrative Court of Toulouse. In December, surprising everyone, the judge decides to reopen the files instead of giving the court decision on the content. Plaintiffs (LVEL, Attac, Amis de la Terre, D'Ingrando, etc.) against the planned highway A69 go on 'administrative' trial against the French State along with the builder, NGE, and its concessionary Atosca. Alice Terrasse, the main lawyer for 'La Voie Est Libre' (opponents), pleads, among other things, that the main reason for building this highway, a 'Major Imperative for Public Interest,' is invalid, as did the 'Rapporteur Public' before. The main association 'La Voie est Libre' (i.e., 'The Way is Free'), opponents want 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 costs EUR512 million (in 2018 euros without inflation) for 54 kilometers in Toulouse, France, on February 17, 2025.

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#12065005

17 February 2025

'Squirrels' stand in a tree near the Administrative Court of Toulouse at dawn. Thomas Brail, the activist and arborist-climber, and 'Squirrels' from the GNSA ('National Group of Trees Watching') occupy trees in front of the Administrative Court of Toulouse to say to the justices, 'We are looking at you,' and to raise awareness among passers-by. Tomorrow, the last hearing, in theory, against the environmental authorization to build the A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres, takes place at the Administrative Court of Toulouse. In December, surprising everyone, the judge decides to reopen the files instead of giving the court decision on the content. Plaintiffs (LVEL, Attac, Amis de la Terre, D'Ingrando, etc.) against the planned highway A69 go on 'administrative' trial against the French State along with the builder, NGE, and its concessionary Atosca. Alice Terrasse, the main lawyer for 'La Voie Est Libre' (opponents), pleads, among other things, that the main reason for building this highway, a 'Major Imperative for Public Interest,' is invalid, as the 'Rapporteur Public' did before. The main association 'La Voie est Libre' (ie 'The Way is Free'), opponents want 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 costs EUR512 million (in 2018 euros without inflation) for 54 kilometers in Toulouse, France, on February 17, 2025.

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#12065009

17 February 2025

Squirrels ('Ecureuils') stand in a tree near the Administrative Court of Toulouse. Thomas Brail, the activist and arborist-climber, and 'Ecureuils' (i.e., 'squirrels') from the GNSA ('National Group of Trees Watching') occupy trees in front of the Administrative Court of Toulouse to convey to the justices, 'We are looking at you,' and to raise awareness among passers-by. Tomorrow, the last hearing (in theory) against the environmental authorization to build the A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres takes place at the Administrative Court of Toulouse. In December, surprising everyone, the judge decides to reopen the files instead of giving the court decision on the content. Plaintiffs (LVEL, Attac, Amis de la Terre, D'Ingrando, etc.) against the planned highway A69 go on 'administrative' trial against the French State along with the builder, NGE, and its concessionary Atosca. Alice Terrasse, the main lawyer for 'La Voie Est Libre' (opponents), pleads, among other things, that the main reason for building this highway: a 'Major Imperative for Public Interest' is invalid, as the 'Rapporteur Public' did before. The main association 'La Voie est Libre' (i.e., 'The Way is Free'), opponents want 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 costs EUR512 million (in 2018 euros without inflation) for 54 kilometers. In Toulouse, France, on February 17, 2025.

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#10471328

7 September 2023

Near a tree cut by SMDA, a placard reads 'To the trees, citizens'? Thomas Brail, the arborist-climber activist is on hunger strike for the 6th day in Saint-Germain-des-Pres (near Castres) as the planned and contested highway A69 between Toulouse and Castres is underway. He tried with other opponents to block the destruction of platanes by the SMDA 'Soins Modernes des Arbres' (ie 'Modern cures for trees') firm. The cutting went ahead heavily protected by police. Thomas Brail wants public authorities to react to the ecological consequences of this highway. Thomas Brail and other people stand in the trees to be cut for the highway. He's ready to continue his hunger strike until the works stop. The collective 'La Voie est Libre' (ie 'The Way is Free'), opponents and Thomas Brail want the building of the highway to be stopped until all the justice decisions on the content to be given. Supporters and four others climbers stand with him. Dozen of climbers say they will come to support him and his fight for the tress He also says that he's compelled to go on hunger strike for the future of his son. Oppponents This highway would cost (at date) EUR512millions for 54 kilometers, half of the money will be public. Opponents at this project say that the reprofiling of the N126 will be suffisant for the 6,000 vehicles planned per day and would cost far less money. More than 100 protected species and 400ha of agricultural field would be destroyed if the A69 highway is built. Saint-Germain-Des-Pres. Tarn. France. September 6th 2023.

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#10471350

7 September 2023

Thomas Brail (in white) with another climber in a pine tree.Thomas Brail, the arborist-climber activist is on hunger strike for the 6th day in Saint-Germain-des-Pres (near Castres) as the planned and contested highway A69 between Toulouse and Castres is underway. He tried with other opponents to block the destruction of platanes by the 'Soins Modernes des Arbres' (ie 'Modern cures for trees') firm. The cutting went ahead heavily protected by police. Thomas Brail wants public authorities to react to the ecological consequences of this highway. Thomas Brail and other people stand in the trees to be cut for the highway. He's ready to continue his hunger strike until the works stop. The collective 'La Voie est Libre' (ie 'The Way is Free'), opponents and Thomas Brail want the building of the highway to be stopped until all the justice decisions on the content to be given. Supporters and four others climbers stand with him. Dozen of climbers say they will come to support him and his fight for the tress He also says that he's compelled to go on hunger strike for the future of his son. Oppponents This highway would cost (at date) EUR512millions for 54 kilometers, half of the money will be public. Opponents at this project say that the reprofiling of the N126 will be suffisant for the 6,000 vehicles planned per day and would cost far less money. More than 100 protected species and 400ha of agricultural field would be destroyed if the A69 highway is built. Saint-Germain-Des-Pres. Tarn. France. September 6th 2023.

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#10471330

7 September 2023

A placardreads 'Killer of the living' on a tree cut by SMDA under heavy police security. Thomas Brail, the arborist-climber activist is on hunger strike for the 6th day in Saint-Germain-des-Pres (near Castres) as the planned and contested highway A69 between Toulouse and Castres is underway. He tried with other opponents to block the destruction of platanes by the 'Soins Modernes des Arbres' (ie 'Modern cures for trees') firm. The cutting went ahead heavily protected by police. Thomas Brail wants public authorities to react to the ecological consequences of this highway. Thomas Brail and other people stand in the trees to be cut for the highway. He's ready to continue his hunger strike until the works stop. The collective 'La Voie est Libre' (ie 'The Way is Free'), opponents and Thomas Brail want the building of the highway to be stopped until all the justice decisions on the content to be given. Supporters and four others climbers stand with him. Dozen of climbers say they will come to support him and his fight for the tress He also says that he's compelled to go on hunger strike for the future of his son. Oppponents This highway would cost (at date) EUR512millions for 54 kilometers, half of the money will be public. Opponents at this project say that the reprofiling of the N126 will be suffisant for the 6,000 vehicles planned per day and would cost far less money. More than 100 protected species and 400ha of agricultural field would be destroyed if the A69 highway is built. Saint-Germain-Des-Pres. Tarn. France. September 6th 2023.

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#10471332

7 September 2023

A cut tree by SMDA. Thomas Brail, the arborist-climber activist is on hunger strike for the 6th day in Saint-Germain-des-Pres (near Castres) as the planned and contested highway A69 between Toulouse and Castres is underway. He tried with other opponents to block the destruction of platanes by the 'Soins Modernes des Arbres' (ie 'Modern cures for trees') firm. The cutting went ahead heavily protected by police. Thomas Brail wants public authorities to react to the ecological consequences of this highway. Thomas Brail and other people stand in the trees to be cut for the highway. He's ready to continue his hunger strike until the works stop. The collective 'La Voie est Libre' (ie 'The Way is Free'), opponents and Thomas Brail want the building of the highway to be stopped until all the justice decisions on the content to be given. Supporters and four others climbers stand with him. Dozen of climbers say they will come to support him and his fight for the tress He also says that he's compelled to go on hunger strike for the future of his son. Oppponents This highway would cost (at date) EUR512millions for 54 kilometers, half of the money will be public. Opponents at this project say that the reprofiling of the N126 will be suffisant for the 6,000 vehicles planned per day and would cost far less money. More than 100 protected species and 400ha of agricultural field would be destroyed if the A69 highway is built. Saint-Germain-Des-Pres. Tarn. France. September 6th 2023.

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#10471354

7 September 2023

A climber climbs the pine tree where Thomas Brail stays. Thomas Brail, the arborist-climber activist is on hunger strike for the 6th day in Saint-Germain-des-Pres (near Castres) as the planned and contested highway A69 between Toulouse and Castres is underway. He tried with other opponents to block the destruction of platanes by the 'Soins Modernes des Arbres' (ie 'Modern cures for trees') firm. The cutting went ahead heavily protected by police. Thomas Brail wants public authorities to react to the ecological consequences of this highway. Thomas Brail and other people stand in the trees to be cut for the highway. He's ready to continue his hunger strike until the works stop. The collective 'La Voie est Libre' (ie 'The Way is Free'), opponents and Thomas Brail want the building of the highway to be stopped until all the justice decisions on the content to be given. Supporters and four others climbers stand with him. Dozen of climbers say they will come to support him and his fight for the tress He also says that he's compelled to go on hunger strike for the future of his son. Oppponents This highway would cost (at date) EUR512millions for 54 kilometers, half of the money will be public. Opponents at this project say that the reprofiling of the N126 will be suffisant for the 6,000 vehicles planned per day and would cost far less money. More than 100 protected species and 400ha of agricultural field would be destroyed if the A69 highway is built. Saint-Germain-Des-Pres. Tarn. France. September 6th 2023.

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#10471356

7 September 2023

Thomas Brail prepares to climb his pine tree. A placard reads 'Trees fall, let's rise up !'. Thomas Brail, the arborist-climber activist is on hunger strike for the 6th day in Saint-Germain-des-Pres (near Castres) as the planned and contested highway A69 between Toulouse and Castres is underway. He tried with other opponents to block the destruction of platanes by the 'Soins Modernes des Arbres' (ie 'Modern cures for trees') firm. The cutting went ahead heavily protected by police. Thomas Brail wants public authorities to react to the ecological consequences of this highway. Thomas Brail and other people stand in the trees to be cut for the highway. He's ready to continue his hunger strike until the works stop. The collective 'La Voie est Libre' (ie 'The Way is Free'), opponents and Thomas Brail want the building of the highway to be stopped until all the justice decisions on the content to be given. Supporters and four others climbers stand with him. Dozen of climbers say they will come to support him and his fight for the tress He also says that he's compelled to go on hunger strike for the future of his son. Oppponents This highway would cost (at date) EUR512millions for 54 kilometers, half of the money will be public. Opponents at this project say that the reprofiling of the N126 will be suffisant for the 6,000 vehicles planned per day and would cost far less money. More than 100 protected species and 400ha of agricultural field would be destroyed if the A69 highway is built. Saint-Germain-Des-Pres. Tarn. France. September 6th 2023.

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#10471346

7 September 2023

A climber helps thomas Brail to climb his pine tree. Thomas Brail, the arborist-climber activist is on hunger strike for the 6th day in Saint-Germain-des-Pres (near Castres) as the planned and contested highway A69 between Toulouse and Castres is underway. He tried with other opponents to block the destruction of platanes by the 'Soins Modernes des Arbres' (ie 'Modern cures for trees') firm. The cutting went ahead heavily protected by police. Thomas Brail wants public authorities to react to the ecological consequences of this highway. Thomas Brail and other people stand in the trees to be cut for the highway. He's ready to continue his hunger strike until the works stop. The collective 'La Voie est Libre' (ie 'The Way is Free'), opponents and Thomas Brail want the building of the highway to be stopped until all the justice decisions on the content to be given. Supporters and four others climbers stand with him. Dozen of climbers say they will come to support him and his fight for the tress He also says that he's compelled to go on hunger strike for the future of his son. Oppponents This highway would cost (at date) EUR512millions for 54 kilometers, half of the money will be public. Opponents at this project say that the reprofiling of the N126 will be suffisant for the 6,000 vehicles planned per day and would cost far less money. More than 100 protected species and 400ha of agricultural field would be destroyed if the A69 highway is built. Saint-Germain-Des-Pres. Tarn. France. September 6th 2023.

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