Thousands of opponents of megabasins gathered in Deux-Sèvres before demonstrations

More than 4,500 opponents of the megabasins have already gathered on Thursday, July 18, at the Village de l’eau in Deux-Sèvres, the epicenter of the fight against these contested irrigation reserves, the authorities announced. Among these people are: “10% black blocs”they add.

More than 3,000 gendarmes are mobilized around the town of Melle, which has hosted the international activist camp since Tuesday and until Sunday.

Checks carried out since the beginning of the week have identified 450 people “known to the services for violent activism or having a criminal record during demonstrations”including 123 individuals “S-listed”explained General Samuel Dubuis, who commands the gendarmerie in New Aquitaine, to the press.

The police also seized 1,600 pieces of material, half of which were considered to be “weapons by destination” (axes, knives, crowbars, tools, etc.), he added, also mentioning “protective” equipment (helmets, masks, goggles), including for children.