READ MORE: <\/strong> Pensioner farmer evicted from life-long home after losing landowner battle<\/strong><\/p>\n Speaking to France 3, H\u00e9renguel said: “I didn’t expect that. I expected the nuns to be a little reasonable for the public order.<\/p>\n “The problem is that the religious people decided to resort to violence. I was attacked three times by five people, who snatched me, and wanted to throw me out there. They decided to protect the site with their actions and their bodies.”<\/p>\n Once the nun was pried off the protester, she rejoined her sisters and resumed their peaceful protest while singing to block out the eco-mob’s chanting.<\/p>\n The environmentalists have been opposing the creation of a new basilica out of concern that several rare species of plants could be lost because they’re not properly protected.<\/p>\n H\u00e9renguel continued: “There is reseda of jackfruit noted by the French Biodiversity Office. And it is not in the environmental study on which the Prefect relied to restart the construction site.<\/p>\n DON’T MISS: <\/strong> We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n “They do not have authorisation to destroy the habitats of protected species.”<\/p>\n He then added: “We want to defend agricultural land that could be used for future generations.<\/p>\n “We need to put things back on track and enforce environmental law.”<\/p>\n Construction of the new religious building, which could host up to 3,500 people, began in 2018 but has since been the subject of heavy criticism from residents.<\/p>\n The prefecture of Ard\u00e9che suspended building works until Thursday evening following the incident.<\/p>\n The sisters had planned their vigil at the site after the eco-protesters stormed the construction site last week.<\/p>\n Members of the Missionary Family and of Les Amis de la Bourges will be meeting with the prefect on Thursday to discuss their complaints although the environmentalists have already pledged to resume their protests should the building pick up again.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/78\/590x\/secondary\/5018734.jpg?r=1697621807060\")
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