Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr's RICO indictment is an unconscionable escalation against those opposed to 'Cop City' that harkens back to the darkest days of the Red Scare.
The “Defend the Atlanta Forest” and “Stop Cop City” movements arose in opposition to this official form of demonstration. Some protest actions were undoubtedly violent or destructive, including the burning of police cars and rocks being thrown at police. Other actions were illegal but peaceful, such as the civil obedience tactic of refusing to leave the site of the proposed construction after being ordered to do so.
Like their predecessors from the civil rights era, state and local officials have used rhetoric branding the opposition as “outside agitators” and terrorists.in an alleged shootout with the Georgia State Patrol. In this context, bringing terrorism and RICO charges — which are too easy for prosecutors to prove and come with mandatory minimums of five years in prison — can be seen as an additional propaganda technique. Civil liberties experts tell me that the goal of the charges may not be to garner convictions as much as they are to frighten people out of protesting.
The RICO indictment is a particularly naked smear attempt. It contains basic factual errors. For example, it incorrectly reverses the City of Atlanta and the private Atlanta Police Foundation in their roles as owner and tenant of the site. It includes snide commentary about anarchism and reveals an obsession with graffiti and online gossip.
Indonesia Berita Terbaru, Indonesia Berita utama
Similar News:Anda juga dapat membaca berita serupa dengan ini yang kami kumpulkan dari sumber berita lain.
More Than 60 'Stop Cop City' Activists Hit With RICO Charges in GeorgiaThe environmental and law enforcement protestors were accused of racketeering.
Baca lebih lajut »
61 indicted on RICO charges in Georgia over 'Stop Cop City' movementThe 'Stop Cop City' movement has occasionally involved vandalism and violence. Prosecutors allege participants are 'militant anarchists.'
Baca lebih lajut »
More than 60 indicted on RICO charges for trying to stop ‘Cop City’More than 60 activists have been indicted on RICO charges over ongoing efforts to stop the construction of a public safety training center near A...
Baca lebih lajut »
61 Indicted in Georgia on RICO Charges Over 'Cop City' UnrestSee multiple perspectives from NewsNation, Associated Press, and Washington Times at AllSides.com.
Baca lebih lajut »
Activist Responds to RICO Charges Intensifying Criminalization of Stop Cop CityEverything that the state has accused the movement of doing is ultimately a projection,' says Micah Herskind.
Baca lebih lajut »
RICO Charges Attempt to Paint Stop Cop City Movement as a Criminal “Conspiracy”The sweeping 109-page indictment presents acts of mutual aid and zine reading as evidence of a criminal “conspiracy.”
Baca lebih lajut »