Thousands of demonstrators protest against the Lyon-Turin high-speed line

June 17 () –

More than 2,000 demonstrators –according to the authorities–, 4,000 –according to the conveners– have protested this Saturday in the French region of Savoy against the construction of the Lyon-Turin high-speed rail line despite the ban on demonstrations.

The protesters have concentrated in the Maurienne valley despite the restrictions that have also led to the arrest of at least 27 displaced foreign citizens to participate in the demonstrations who have been deported to Italy, according to police sources cited by BFMTV television.

The Savoy Police Prefecture announced on Friday the ban on the demonstration for security reasons and the veto was immediately confirmed by a Grenoble court following an appeal filed by Europe Ecology-The Greens, ATTAC Savoie and Live and Act. The Police had warned that the presence of up to 5,000 activists was expected, including “400 radicals”.

The project includes a line with 70 percent of its territory in France and 30 percent in Italy and a 57.5-kilometre tunnel that crosses the Alps between Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne and Susa.

The activists denounce the ecological impact of the initiative, particularly on water resources, which would have already caused the depletion of various sources, according to the organizers.