Dozens of “militant anarchists” and “eco-activists” who opposed the construction of a police training center criticized by critics of “Cop City” have been indicted on charges of racketeering, Georgia’s attorney general said today.
The sweeping indictment — made public Tuesday after it was handed up by a grand jury last week — accuses 61 members of a group called “Defend the Atlanta Forest” of illegally occupying a training site while committing vandalism and violence.
GOP Attorney General Chris Carr slammed the defendants during a news conference Tuesday.
“The 61 defendants collectively conspired to obstruct the construction of the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center by conducting, coordinating and orchestrating acts of violence, intimidation and destruction of property,” Carr said.
Critics behind the “Stop Cop City” effort, which has been going on for more than two years, believe the $90 million police and fire training center will further militarize police and cause environmental damage in the urban jungle.
The defendants are part of a “self-identified coalition and enterprise of militant anarchists, eco-activists and community organizers,” who are also “anti-police,” the indictment alleges.
Critics behind the “Stop Cop City” effort, which has been going on for more than two years, believe the $90 million police and fire training center will further militarize police and cause environmental damage in the urban jungle. Robin Rayne
“Each of the individuals charged in this indictment knowingly participated in a conspiracy in an effort to prevent the training center from being built,” the indictment said.
The indictment, issued Aug. 29, is the latest use of the state’s anti-racketeering law, also known as the RICO law.
Most of the defendants are not from Georgia, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.
Some of the defendants face additional charges including domestic violence, arson and money laundering, the newspaper reported.
The indictment, issued Aug. 29, is the latest use of the state’s anti-racketeering law, also known as the RICO law.Robin Rayne Several defendants face additional charges including domestic violence, arson and money laundering, the newspaper reported.Robin Rayne
The indictment was filed in Fulton County and the grand jury that indicted former President Donald Trump and his associates on RICO charges was also involved in the “Cop City” case, the newspaper reported.
Activists fighting for an ongoing referendum on the project condemned the claims, slamming them as “anti-democratic.”
“Chris Carr may be trying to use prosecutors and his power to build his gubernatorial campaign and silence free speech, but his threats will not silence our commitment to defend our future, our community and our city,” the Cop City Vote coalition said. in a statement.
A sweeping indictment accuses 61 members of a group called “Defend the Atlanta Forest” of illegally occupying the training site while committing vandalism and violence.Robin RayneActivists fighting for a continued referendum on the project denounced the indictment, slamming it as “anti-democratic.”Robin RayneMost of 61 defendants are not residents of Georgia.AP
Meanwhile, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp praised the actions by the Attorney General’s office.
“My priority is and always will be keeping the people of Georgia safe, especially against foreign radicals who threaten the safety of our people and law enforcement,” he said.
Among the alleged crimes included in the RICO case are criminal trespass, vandalism, throwing objects — such as Molotov cocktails at police — and issuing threats online.
Among the alleged crimes included in the RICO case are criminal trespass, vandalism, throwing objects — such as Molotov cocktails at police — and issuing threats online.ZUMAPRESS.com Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr said the 61 defendants “conspired to obstruct the construction of the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center .”Robin Rayne
More than three dozen people already face domestic violence charges tied to the violent protests, three bail fund leaders previously accused of money laundering and three activists previously charged with criminal threats are among the defendants in the new RICO case.
Protests against the training center in DeKalb County escalated after the fatal shooting of a 26-year-old protester in January. State investigators say state troops shot and killed Manuel Esteban Paez Terán in self-defense after he opened fire on them, though activists have questioned that account.
With Postal wire
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
