"cal'arbre"

#12372256

16 May 2025

The construction site in Soual, Tarn, is where the Cal'Arbre ZAD (Zone to Protect) and a protected pond are located. The Administrative Court of Toulouse decides to suspend all works on the A69 highway project between Toulouse and Castres. NGE/Atosca files an appeal against this decision and asks the Court to allow the works to continue during the appeal process. Two senators and two MPs from the Tarn department propose a retroactive law to authorize the building of the A69, aiming to bypass the decision of the Administrative Court of Toulouse. Atosca states that all leveling works have begun and that more than 70% of highway structures are completed. However, the leveling works and highway structures do not match the numbers provided by Atosca. Additionally, several issues affect the work, such as water evacuation and species protection. The main association, 'La Voie est Libre' (meaning 'The Way is Free'), opposes the project and wants the construction of the highway to stop until all judicial decisions are made. All expropriations for farmers are not resolved. Opponents of the project argue that reprofiling the N126 will suffice for the 6,000 vehicles planned per day and would cost significantly less. The A69 highway is projected to cost EUR512 million (in 2018 euros, excluding inflation) for 54 kilometers. More than 100 protected species and 400 hectares of agricultural fields will be destroyed.

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#11041317

2 March 2024

Protesters are facing riot police at the 'Crem'Arbre' ZAD in Saix, Tarn, France, on March 1, 2024. Following the report by Michel Forst, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, which demanded the resupply of 'Ecureuils' living in the trees of the 'Crem'Arbre' ZAD, activists from LVEL (La Voie Est Libre) and other associations are attempting to get past the riot police to deliver supplies. MPs, including Karen Erodial, have also tried unsuccessfully to pass through. The 'Ecureuils' are occupying trees to prevent them from being cut down for the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres. The Gendarmes Mobiles have intervened to clear the ZAD of 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, they have only managed to dislodge one 'Ecureuil'. 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 highway project be halted until all judicial decisions are finalized, and the issue of expropriations for farmers remains unresolved. Opponents argue that upgrading the N126 would be sufficient for the anticipated 6,000 vehicles per day and would cost significantly less than the EUR512 million estimated for the A69 highway, which would also destroy over 100 protected species and 400 hectares of agricultural land.

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#11041304

2 March 2024

Police are currently providing heavy protection to the 'Crem'Arbre' ZAD (Zone to Defend) in Saix, Tarn, France, on March 1, 2024. Following the report by Michel Forst, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, which called for the resupply of 'Ecureuils' living in the trees of the 'Crem'Arbre' ZAD, activists from LVEL (La Voie Est Libre or The Way Is Free) and other associations are attempting to get past the riot police to deliver supplies to the 'Ecureuils'. Even MPs, including Karen Erodial, have tried unsuccessfully to provide support. The 'Ecureuils', who are occupying the trees to prevent them from being cut down for the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres, are being closely guarded by the Gendarmes Mobiles (riot police) to prevent the delivery of food and water by sympathizers. The Gendarmes Mobiles have cleared the area of all opponents, and a special unit of police, CNAMO, is working to remove the 'Ecureuils' from their trees. After two days, the police have only managed to dislodge one 'Ecureuil', but new trees are being occupied by 'Ecureuils' at a new site called 'Cal'Arbre'. The main collective, 'La Voie est Libre', is demanding that the highway project be halted until all judicial decisions have been made and issues with the expropriation of farmers' land have been resolved. Opponents argue that upgrading the N126 would be sufficient for the anticipated 6,000 vehicles per day and would be much less expensive. They claim that the A69 highway, which is projected to cost EUR512 million (in 2018 euros, excluding inflation) for 54 kilometers, will result in the destruction of over 100 protected species and 400 hectares of agricultural land.

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#11041315

2 March 2024

Geoffroy Tarroux is attempting to speak to riot policemen at the 'Crem'Arbre' ZAD. Following the legally binding report by Michel Forst, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, which demanded the resupply of 'Ecureuils' living in the trees of the 'Crem'Arbre' ZAD (i.e., 'Zone To Defend'), activists from LVEL (La voie Est Libre, i.e., 'The Way Is Free') and other associations are trying to get past the riot police to deliver supplies to the 'Ecureuils'. MPs, including Karen Erodial, also attempted without success. In Saix, Tarn, on the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres, opponents have set up a ZAD called 'Crem'Arbre', where 'Ecureuils' ('squirrels') are residing in the trees to prevent them from being cut down. Gendarmes Mobiles (riot police) have intervened to clear the ZAD of all opponents and are now standing guard near the trees occupied by 'Ecureuils' to prevent sympathizers from supplying food and water. The Gendarmes Mobiles have cleared the area of all opponents, and a special unit of policemen, CNAMO, is working to dislodge the 'Ecureuils' from their trees. After two days of police efforts, they have only managed to dislodge one 'Ecureuil'. However, new trees are being occupied by 'Ecureuils' at a new location called 'Cal'Arbre'. The main collective, 'La Voie est Libre', is demanding that the highway construction be halted until all judicial decisions on the matter are finalized. Not all expropriations for farmers have been resolved. Opponents of the project argue that reprofiling the N126 would be sufficient for the 6,000 vehicles expected per day and would cost significantly less. The A69 highway is projected to cost EUR512 million (in 2018 euros, excluding inflation) for 54 kilometers, and its construction would destroy more than 100 protected species and 400 hectares of agricultural land. The events are taking place in Saix, Tarn, France, on March 1, 2024.

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#11041286

2 March 2024

Activists from LVEL (La Voie Est Libre, meaning 'The Way Is Free') and other associations are currently trying to pass through the riot police to resupply the 'Ecureuils' (meaning 'Squirrels'), who are living in the trees of the 'Crem'Arbre' ZAD (Zone To Defend) in Saix, Tarn, France, on March 1, 2024. Despite the efforts of MPs, including Karen Erodial, who also tried unsuccessfully, the Gendarmes Mobiles (riot police) are standing guard near the trees to block the supply of food and water by sympathizers. After two days of police efforts, only one 'Ecureuil' has been dislodged, but new trees are now being occupied by 'Ecureuils' in a new area called 'Cal'Arbre'. The main collective 'La Voie est Libre' is demanding that the construction of the A69 highway be halted until all judicial decisions have been made, noting that the expropriations for farmers have not been resolved. Opponents argue that the reprofiling of the N126 would be sufficient for the 6,000 vehicles planned per day and would cost far less than the EUR512 million (in 2018 euros, excluding inflation) for the 54-kilometer A69 highway, which threatens to destroy over 100 protected species and 400 hectares of agricultural land.

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#11041278

2 March 2024

An activist is standing in front of riot police in Saix, Tarn, France, on March 1, 2024. Following the report by Michel Forst, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, activists from LVEL (La Voie Est Libre, meaning 'The Way Is Free') and other associations are attempting to get past the riot police to resupply the 'Ecureuils' (meaning 'Squirrels') who are living in the trees of the 'Crem'Arbre' ZAD (Zone To Defend) to prevent their cutting. Despite their efforts, and those of MPs like Karen Erodial, they have not succeeded. The Gendarmes Mobiles (riot police) have intervened to clear the ZAD of all opponents and are now guarding the trees to prevent the 'Ecureuils' from receiving food and water from supporters. After two days, the police have only managed to dislodge one 'Ecureuil', but new trees are being occupied by 'Ecureuils' at a new site called 'Cal'Arbre'. The collective 'La Voie est Libre' is demanding that the construction of the A69 highway be halted until all legal decisions are finalized, and the expropriations for farmers are unresolved. Opponents argue that upgrading the N126 would be sufficient for the anticipated 6,000 vehicles per day and would be much less expensive than the A69 highway, which is projected to cost EUR512 million (in 2018 euros, excluding inflation) for 54 kilometers, destroying over 100 protected species and 400 hectares of agricultural land.

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#11041290

2 March 2024

An activist is running away from tear gas in Saix, France, on March 1, 2024. Following the report by Michel Forst, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, which demanded the resupply of 'Ecureuils' living in the trees of the 'Crem'Arbre' ZAD (Zone To Defend), activists from LVEL (La Voie Est Libre or The Way Is Free) and other associations are attempting to get past the riot police to deliver supplies. MPs, including Karen Erodial, also tried unsuccessfully. On 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 Gendarmes Mobiles (riot police) have intervened 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, 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', 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 planned 6,000 vehicles per day and would cost much less. The A69 highway is projected to cost EUR512 million (in 2018 euros, excluding inflation) for 54 kilometers, and its construction would destroy over 100 protected species and 400 hectares of agricultural land.

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#11041291

2 March 2024

Activists from LVEL (La Voie Est Libre, meaning 'The Way Is Free') and other associations are currently trying to pass through the riot police to resupply the 'Ecureuils' (meaning 'Squirrels') who are living in the trees of the 'Crem'Arbre' ZAD (Zone To Defend) in Saix, Tarn, France, on March 1, 2024. Despite the demands of Michel Forst, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, for the resupply of the 'Ecureuils,' the riot police are blocking the efforts, including those of MP Karen Erodial, who also tried unsuccessfully. The 'Ecureuils' are occupying the trees to prevent them from being cut down for the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres. The Gendarmes Mobiles (riot police) have intervened to clear the ZAD of all opponents and are now standing guard near the trees to prevent the supply of food and water by sympathizers. After two days of police efforts, only one 'Ecureuil' has been dislodged, but new trees are being occupied by 'Ecureuils' in a new area called 'Cal'Arbre.' The collective 'La Voie est Libre' is demanding that the highway project be halted until all judicial decisions are made. The opponents argue that reprofiling the N126 would be sufficient for the planned 6,000 vehicles per day and would cost significantly less than the A69 highway, which is estimated to cost EUR512 million (in 2018 euros, excluding inflation) for 54 kilometers. They also highlight that the project would destroy over 100 protected species and 400 hectares of agricultural land.

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#11041292

2 March 2024

Geoffroy Tarroux and other activists are confronting riot police in Saix, Tarn, France, on March 1, 2024. Following the legally binding report by Michel Forst, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, which demands the resupply of 'Ecureuils' living in the trees of the 'Crem'Arbre' ZAD (Zone To Defend), activists from LVEL (La Voie Est Libre or The Way Is Free) and other associations are attempting to pass through the riot police to deliver supplies. MPs, including Karen Erodial, have also tried unsuccessfully to provide support. Opponents have installed a ZAD called 'Crem'Arbre' on the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres, where 'Ecureuils' ('squirrels') are living in the trees to prevent them from being cut down. Gendarmes Mobiles (riot police) have intervened to clear the ZAD of all opponents and are now standing guard near the trees occupied by 'Ecureuils' to block the supply of food and water by sympathizers. Despite 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' is demanding that the highway construction 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 than the A69 highway, which is projected to cost EUR512 million (in 2018 euros without inflation) for 54 kilometers, destroying over 100 protected species and 400 hectares of agricultural land.

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#11041293

2 March 2024

Activists from LVEL (La Voie Est Libre, meaning 'The Way Is Free') and other associations are currently trying to pass through the riot police to resupply the 'Ecureuils' (meaning 'Squirrels') who are living in the trees of the 'Crem'Arbre' ZAD (Zone To Defend) in Saix, Tarn, France, on March 1, 2024. Despite the demands of Michel Forst, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, for the resupply of the 'Ecureuils,' the riot police are blocking the efforts, including those of MP Karen Erodial, who also tried unsuccessfully. The 'Ecureuils' are occupying the trees to prevent them from being cut down for the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres. The Gendarmes Mobiles (riot police) have intervened to clear the ZAD of all opponents and are now standing guard near the trees to prevent the supply of food and water by sympathizers. After two days of police efforts, only one 'Ecureuil' has been dislodged, but new trees are being occupied by 'Ecureuils' in a new area called 'Cal'Arbre.' The collective 'La Voie est Libre' is demanding that the highway project be halted until all judicial decisions are made. The opponents argue that reprofiling the N126 would be sufficient for the planned 6,000 vehicles per day and would cost significantly less than the A69 highway, which is estimated to cost EUR512 million (in 2018 euros, excluding inflation) for 54 kilometers. They also highlight that the project would destroy over 100 protected species and 400 hectares of agricultural land.

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#11041294

2 March 2024

Members of LVEL and other activists are trying to pass through riot police in Saix, Tarn, France, on March 1, 2024. Following the legally binding report by Michel Forst, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, which demands the resupply of 'Ecureuils' living in the trees of the 'Crem'Arbre' ZAD (Zone To Defend), activists from LVEL (La Voie Est Libre, meaning 'The Way Is Free') and other associations are attempting to get past the riot police to deliver supplies to the 'Ecureuils'. MPs, including Karen Erodial, also tried unsuccessfully. On the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres, opponents have set up a ZAD called 'Crem'Arbre', and 'Ecureuils' ('squirrels') are living in the trees to prevent them from being cut down. Gendarmes Mobiles (riot police) have intervened to clear the ZAD of all opponents and are now standing guard near the trees occupied by 'Ecureuils' to block the supply of food and water by sympathizers. The Gendarmes Mobiles have cleared the area of all opponents, and a special unit of police, CNAMO, has intervened to dislodge the 'Ecureuils' from their trees. After two days of police efforts, they have dislodged only one 'Ecureuil'. However, new trees are being occupied by 'Ecureuils' in a new place called 'Cal'Arbre'. The main collective 'La Voie est Libre' wants the highway project to be halted until all judicial decisions on the matter are made. All expropriations for farmers have not been resolved. Opponents of the project argue that reprofiling the N126 would be sufficient for the 6,000 vehicles planned per day and would cost far less money. The A69 highway is projected to cost EUR512 million (in 2018 euros, without inflation) for 54 kilometers, and its construction would destroy more than 100 protected species and 400 hectares of agricultural land.

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#11041295

2 March 2024

A member of LVEL is trying to argue with a riot policeman in Saix, Tarn, France, on March 1, 2024. Following the report by Michel Forst, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, which demanded the resupply of 'Ecureuils' living in the trees of the 'Crem'Arbre' ZAD (Zone To Defend), activists from LVEL (La Voie Est Libre or The Way Is Free) and other associations are attempting to get past the riot police to deliver supplies to the 'Ecureuils'. Despite their efforts, including those of MPs like Karen Erodial, they have not been successful. On the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres, opponents have set up a ZAD called 'Crem'Arbre', where 'Ecureuils' (squirrels) are living in the trees to prevent them from being cut down. The Gendarmes Mobiles (riot police) have intervened to clear the ZAD of all opponents and are now standing guard near the trees to prevent sympathizers from supplying food and water to the 'Ecureuils'. After two days of effort, the police have only managed to dislodge one 'Ecureuil', but new trees are now being occupied by 'Ecureuils' in a new area called 'Cal'Arbre'. The main collective, 'La Voie est Libre', is demanding that the highway project be halted until all judicial decisions are finalized, and the expropriations for farmers are unresolved. Opponents argue that the reprofiling of the N126 would be sufficient for the anticipated 6,000 vehicles per day and would cost significantly less than the A69 highway, which is projected to cost EUR512 million (in 2018 euros without inflation) for 54 kilometers, destroying over 100 protected species and 400 hectares of agricultural land.

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#11041296

2 March 2024

Activists are running away from tear gas in Saix, Tarn, France, on March 1, 2024. Following the report by Michel Forst, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, which demanded the resupply of 'Ecureuils' (squirrels) living in the trees of the 'Crem'Arbre' ZAD (Zone To Defend), members of LVEL (La Voie Est Libre or The Way Is Free) and other associations are attempting to get past the riot police to deliver supplies. MPs, including Karen Erodial, have also tried unsuccessfully. Opponents have set up a ZAD called 'Crem'Arbre' on the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres, where 'Ecureuils' 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 block the supply of food and water by sympathizers. They have cleared the 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, only one 'Ecureuil' has been dislodged, but new trees are now occupied by 'Ecureuils' in a new area called 'Cal'Arbre'. The main collective 'La Voie est Libre' is demanding that the highway construction 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 planned per day and would cost far less money. The A69 highway is projected to cost EUR512 million (in 2018 euros, excluding inflation) for 54 kilometers, and its construction would destroy more than 100 protected species and 400 hectares of agricultural land.

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#11041297

2 March 2024

Geoffroy Tarroux of LVEL is bringing food and water to resupply 'Ecureuils' and is arguing with riot police in Saix, Tarn, France, on March 1, 2024. Following the legally binding report by Michel Forst, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, which demanded the resupply of 'Ecureuils' living in the trees of the 'Crem'Arbre' ZAD (Zone To Defend), activists from LVEL (La Voie Est Libre or The Way Is Free) and other associations are attempting to get past the riot police to deliver supplies. MPs, including Karen Erodial, are also trying without success. Opponents have set up a ZAD called 'Crem'Arbre' to prevent the cutting of trees by living in them, which they have nicknamed 'Ecureuils' ('squirrels'). Gendarmes Mobiles (riot police) have intervened to clear the ZAD of all opponents and are now standing guard near the trees to prevent sympathizers from supplying the 'Ecureuils' with food and water. After two days, the police have only managed to dislodge one 'Ecureuil', but new trees are being occupied by 'Ecureuils' at a new site called 'Cal'Arbre'. The main collective, 'La Voie est Libre', is demanding that the highway project be halted until all judicial decisions are made. The expropriations for farmers have not been resolved. Opponents argue that reprofiling the N126 would be sufficient for the anticipated 6,000 vehicles per day and would cost significantly less than the A69 highway, which is projected to cost EUR512 million (in 2018 euros without inflation) for 54 kilometers, destroying over 100 protected species and 400 hectares of agricultural land.

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#11041298

2 March 2024

An activist is shouting into a megaphone in Saix, Tarn, France, on March 1, 2024. Following the report by Michel Forst, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, which demanded the resupply of 'Ecureuils' living in the trees of the 'Crem'Arbre' ZAD (Zone To Defend), activists from LVEL (La Voie Est Libre or The Way Is Free) and other associations are attempting to get past the riot police to deliver supplies. MPs, including Karen Erodial, have also tried unsuccessfully to provide support. Opponents of the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres have set up a ZAD called 'Crem'Arbre', where 'Ecureuils' (squirrels) are living in the trees to prevent them from being cut down. The Gendarmes Mobiles (riot police) have intervened to clear the ZAD of all opponents and are now standing guard near the trees to prevent sympathizers from supplying food and water to the 'Ecureuils'. Despite two days of police efforts, they have only managed to dislodge one 'Ecureuil'. However, new trees are now being occupied by 'Ecureuils' at a new site called 'Cal'Arbre'. The main collective, 'La Voie est Libre', is demanding that the highway project be halted until all judicial decisions 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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#11041299

2 March 2024

Activists are standing in front of riot police with a placard that reads ''torture'' in Saix, Tarn, France, on March 1, 2024. Following the report by Michel Forst, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, which demanded the resupply of 'Ecureuils' living in the trees of the 'Crem'Arbre' ZAD (Zone To Defend), members of LVEL (La Voie Est Libre, meaning 'The Way Is Free') and other associations are attempting to get past the riot police to deliver supplies to the 'Ecureuils'. MPs, including Karen Erodial, have also tried unsuccessfully to pass through. The 'Ecureuils', or 'squirrels', are occupying trees to prevent them from being cut down for the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres. 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'. Despite two days of police efforts, they have only managed to dislodge one 'Ecureuil'. However, new trees are now being occupied by 'Ecureuils' at a new location called 'Cal'Arbre'. The main collective, 'La Voie est Libre', is demanding that the highway project be halted until all judicial decisions have been made, noting that 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 significantly less than the A69 highway, which is projected to cost EUR512 million (in 2018 euros, excluding inflation) for 54 kilometers, and would result in the destruction of over 100 protected species and 400 hectares of agricultural land.

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