For Michel Forst, this repression is “disproportionate” and represents “a major threat to democracy”, pointing in particular to what is currently happening around the ZAD of the A69 motorway. Accusations denied by the prefect of Tarn on Thursday.
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Road blockages, airport occupations, damage to industrial sites, interruption of sporting events, throwing soup at works of art… Civil disobedience actions by environmental activists are increasing in Europe in order to warn of global warming and the future of our planet. Gatherings which sometimes degenerate and can end in clashes with the police. It is in this context that a report from a UN expert appeared on Thursday February 29, denouncing the “repression” in Europe against environmental activists. The study covers France, but also Germany, Switzerland, Portugal and Italy.
For Michel Forst, the author of the report, this repression is “a major threat to democracy”. In his text, he recalls that mobilizing for the climate is a right, that of freedom of expression and assembly. The expert also points out an atmosphere “fear and intimidation for environmental defenders” which, in many countries, according to him, are threatened, limited in their means of action and much more repressed than protected. And after a year of investigation, he affirms, the response of the States to these gatherings is “disproportionate”. An important clarification: this United Nations special rapporteur works under the auspices of the UN but does not speak on behalf of the institution. He is talking about people who peacefully participate in demonstrations or actions of civil disobedience.
An investigation and sanctions demanded in the management by the police of the ZAD of the A69 motorway
Among the countries examined, France is cited 25 times as an example in the text, and not in a positive light. The action of the police is particularly criticized. Michel Forst criticizes the treatment of demonstrators by the police. He also points out, for reasons not always justified according to him, identity checks, fines, shadowing, searches and even arrests by anti-terrorist units. But above all, he denounces the violence, in particular the beatings on people on the ground and the excessive use of tear gas and LBD shots.
Moreover, the expert calls for an investigation and sanctions in the management by the police of the ZAD of the A69 motorway, in Tarn. “I noticed a certain number of dysfunctions”, relates Michel Forst, guest on franceinfo Thursday. He says he witnessed, on the spot, “cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment”as “the ban on the supply of food and drinking water” Or “sleep deprivation” activists. These acts are “contrary to the European Convention on Human Rights“. He recalls that his “The mandate is built on a legally binding convention, and therefore States have an obligation to listen to the recommendations and implement them.”
The prefect of Tarn reacted in a press release published Thursday in which he “denies the assertions in Michel Forst’s publication”. The prefect recalls that he received the rapporteur on Friday February 23, to explain the intervention of the police aimed at dislodging the demonstrators against the A69 motorway. But according to him, Michel Forst “did not take it into account” in his report.
Justice, politicians and the media also singled out
But that’s not all, Michel Forst also attacks French justice. According to him, more and more courts are resorting to pre-trial detention for demonstrators accused of minor crimes. Politicians are also targeted, particularly those who qualify environmental organizations and activists “ecoterrorists” and compare them to criminal organizations.
“We heard ministers uttering words like ‘ecoterrorists’, ‘green Taliban’ or ‘green Khmers’, etc.recalls Michel Forst, guest on franceinfo Thursday. Which, for me, has a strong impact because it aims to criminalize and stigmatize the defenders, but also the cause for which they are mobilizing. They are in fact non-violent activists who simply ask states to implement international agreements of which they are a part.” He also cites the government’s attempt to dissolve the Earth Uprisings, which he describes as “an environmental citizen movement“.
Finally, the media also have a share of responsibility. According to the rapporteur, they focus too much on the disruptions linked to the demonstrations and not enough on the reasons for the anger, which, ultimately, contributes to endangering activists and can also dissuade citizens from mobilizing.
Illegal but legitimate actions according to the rapporteur
Michel Forst justifies certain actions of environmental activists. “Some illegal actions are legitimate, he said. They are illegal because it is breaking the law to block access to an airport or highway. But it is nevertheless legitimate because I think the urgency is there and they want to draw attention to the fact that the States are not doing enough.” He recalls that “disobedience is a concept that is not new, and is covered and protected by international law and human rights”. “Civil disobedience must be better taken into account and protected by the police and the judicial system”asks Michel Forst.