Proposed Dam In SW France Galvanizes Youth; Protestor's Death Intensifies Conflict - NYT

[hatrack]

LISLE-SUR-TARN, France — The protests began a year ago in this quiet corner of southwestern France, as a small and peaceful gathering of hippies, environmental activists and utopians of all types set up tents to oppose the construction of a nearby dam. In August, after local authorities sent diggers and then crushing machines to level the soil and destroy trees, clashes erupted between protesters and the police, turning this vast stretch of woodland into what many here called a war zone.

More than a hundred protesters, joined by a minority of violent groups, responded to tear gas and rubber bullets by throwing fire bombs. They built makeshift checkpoints, roadblocks and two watchtowers. Finally, last weekend, a 21-year-old student, Rémi Fraisse, was killed after being hit by a stun grenade that protesters say was thrown by a police officer.

The death of Mr. Fraisse, which resulted in the temporary suspension of the construction work, has now turned what had been a local protest into a national drama, spawning vigils and front-page news coverage, while prompting criticism of the government of President François Hollande for its lack of response.

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But for many protesters here, the dam was designed to support the local corn farmers who practice what many here called “intensive farming” and would have threatened about 94 protected species of animals and plants. “We saw the trees falling one after the other,” said Camille, 18, who would not give her last name for fear of running afoul of the authorities. “It was an environmentl disaster.” Like many others, Camille said she had come to the ZAD to denounce “grand projects that are useless and imposed.” “I have heard about the crisis ever since I was born,” said Camille, who said she had just passed her final exams. “As long as there will be capitalist policies, there will be crisis.”

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http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/02/world/in-france-dam-is-the-catalyst-for-a-flood-of-young-peoples-anger.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&_r=5

[Erich Bloodaxe BSN]

1. "As long as there will be capitalist policies, there will be crisis."