LGV Bordeaux-Toulouse Protests: Police Accusations and Gendarmerie Response

Recent protests against the LGV Bordeaux-Toulouse high-speed rail line have sparked accusations of “cruel treatment” of environmental activists by French police. Anne Stambach-Terrenoir, a deputy for La France Insoumise (LFI) in Haute-Garonne, has brought these concerns to the attention of the prefect, alleging tactics intended to exhaust protestors.

Accusations of Cruel Tactics

According to a letter from Deputy Stambach-Terrenoir to the prefect, police allegedly used sirens, shouting, and strobe lights directed at activists perched in trees at the ZAD de “la Guinguette Vaillante” in Saint-Jory. The intent, she claims, was to deliberately exhaust the protestors. Stambach-Terrenoir suggests that intentional sleep deprivation could violate Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which prohibits cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. Source: La Dépêche du Midi

A video shared on Instagram by the collective “Zad de La Guinguette Vaillante” appears to show a flashing light directed towards the tree canopy at night. Source: Instagram

Gendarmerie Denies Allegations

Colonel Stéphane Dlongeville, head of operations for the Haute-Garonne gendarmerie group, firmly refutes the accusations. He emphasizes that the gendarmerie’s actions are directed towards individuals violating the law or occupying land not belonging to them, following a complaint or public interest project. Source: La Dépêche du Midi

Regarding the alleged apply of strobe lights, Colonel Dlongeville states, “strobe lights, no.” He explains that lighting is used at night to identify the number of people present and ensure the safety of the operation, but that continuously flashing lights are not part of their procedures. He maintains that the video does not reflect standard gendarmerie practices and that no such order would be given. He also expressed disbelief that lights would be used “all night,” deeming it “materially implausible.”

The Colonel also questioned the claim of sirens being used, stating he did not understand such a practice near residential areas. His primary focus, he reiterated, is “security, security, security” – for the occupants, the public, and the forces involved.

Background on the Protests

The protests are centered around opposition to the LGV Bordeaux-Toulouse high-speed rail line. The occupation of the ZAD de “la Guinguette Vaillante” ended on February 9th, according to publications from the collective on Instagram. Source: La Dépêche du Midi

Anne Stambach-Terrenoir represents the 2nd constituency of Haute-Garonne. Source: Facebook