environmental associations denounce violence during demonstrations

Demonstrations and actions are being organized this week by farmers' unions across France.

Three environmental protection associations have been targeted by farmers in the last 24 hours, the France Nature Environnement (FNE) movement which oversees them denounced on Wednesday. The majority alliance FNSEA-Young Farmers launched new actions throughout France this week aimed more specifically at “anything that hinders the lives of farmers”in particular administrations (prefectures, water agencies, etc.).

In Gap (Hautes-Alpes), demonstrators walled up the FNE 05 premises on Wednesday, while employees and volunteers were inside, FNE president Antoine Gatet told AFP. In Manche on Tuesday, activists from Rural Coordination dumped tires and manure on the premises of the Manche Nature association in Coutances, with a poster “Leave us alone”.

Likewise in Châteauroux (Indre), around thirty demonstrators under FNSEA flags dumped straw in front of the premises of the Indre Nature association. When the employees took refuge upstairs, farmers mounted in the tractor baskets drummed against the shutters and tried to raise them, according to the FNE.

Complaints were filed in the two cases on Tuesday and will be filed on Thursday concerning Gap, indicated the management of the association“This violence is intolerable in a rule of law”protested the FNE in a press release.