Cops are not your friends. Prosecutors are not your friends.
September 5, 2023 10:35 AM Subscribe
60+ people indicted on RICO, other charges over allegations tied to protesting of Atlanta Public Safety Training Center
This prosecution is being pursued by Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr, not Fulton DA Fani Willis, who has pursued other notorious RICO cases, or DeKalb DA Sherry Boston in whose jurisdiction Cop City lies, who withdrew from all charges associated with Cop City in June, citing “fundamentally different prosecution philosophies” between her and Carr’s office. The full indictment includes extensive rants against anarchism, collectivism, and mutual aid, and connects such beliefs and practices directly to domestic terrorism. Upon his appointment to the office by then Gov. Nathan Deal in 2016, in a corrupt and complicated job swap deal, many Georgians noted Carr's complete lack of trial experience and limited experience practicing law at all.
Please note that no links were included to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, WSB radio or WSBTV, which are all owned by Cox Enterprises, the largest donor to Cop City. This ongoing conflict of interest has seriously limited access to unbiased news about this issue.
This prosecution is being pursued by Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr, not Fulton DA Fani Willis, who has pursued other notorious RICO cases, or DeKalb DA Sherry Boston in whose jurisdiction Cop City lies, who withdrew from all charges associated with Cop City in June, citing “fundamentally different prosecution philosophies” between her and Carr’s office. The full indictment includes extensive rants against anarchism, collectivism, and mutual aid, and connects such beliefs and practices directly to domestic terrorism. Upon his appointment to the office by then Gov. Nathan Deal in 2016, in a corrupt and complicated job swap deal, many Georgians noted Carr's complete lack of trial experience and limited experience practicing law at all.
Please note that no links were included to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, WSB radio or WSBTV, which are all owned by Cox Enterprises, the largest donor to Cop City. This ongoing conflict of interest has seriously limited access to unbiased news about this issue.
The first amendment is nice and I really hope to live to see a lefty movement fully enjoy it in my lifetime.
posted by Slackermagee at 10:42 AM on September 5, 2023 [44 favorites]
posted by Slackermagee at 10:42 AM on September 5, 2023 [44 favorites]
Is there a crowdfunded defense fund?
posted by humbug at 10:43 AM on September 5, 2023 [4 favorites]
posted by humbug at 10:43 AM on September 5, 2023 [4 favorites]
So there is a defense fund, but the cops raided it on charges of charity fraud and money laundering. Guys, shit is all fucked up in Atlanta and people really need to be paying attention.
posted by corb at 10:55 AM on September 5, 2023 [77 favorites]
posted by corb at 10:55 AM on September 5, 2023 [77 favorites]
The indictment reads like it was written my Marjorie Taylor Greene.
posted by spilon at 10:58 AM on September 5, 2023 [7 favorites]
posted by spilon at 10:58 AM on September 5, 2023 [7 favorites]
Cox Enterprises, the largest donor to Cop City
well that seems appropriate at least
posted by Two unicycles and some duct tape at 10:58 AM on September 5, 2023 [1 favorite]
well that seems appropriate at least
posted by Two unicycles and some duct tape at 10:58 AM on September 5, 2023 [1 favorite]
Question: Is this like a "well CONSERVATIVES can RICO too!" bit of prosecution theatre, wherein Carr attempts a sort of Nailed It! imitation of Willis's signature move? Or is it just a weird coincidence that two GA prosecutors are using RICO in these (very different) criminal proceedings?
posted by heyitsgogi at 10:59 AM on September 5, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by heyitsgogi at 10:59 AM on September 5, 2023 [2 favorites]
No I think they’re always like this, the other RICO is the anomaly.
posted by Artw at 11:00 AM on September 5, 2023 [10 favorites]
posted by Artw at 11:00 AM on September 5, 2023 [10 favorites]
Indictment reads like a D+ high school civics paper
posted by mcstayinskool at 11:02 AM on September 5, 2023 [7 favorites]
posted by mcstayinskool at 11:02 AM on September 5, 2023 [7 favorites]
Thanks for the post, OP. Fuck those officials and cops and capitalists. That is all.
posted by Bella Donna at 11:03 AM on September 5, 2023 [14 favorites]
posted by Bella Donna at 11:03 AM on September 5, 2023 [14 favorites]
Now I'm not a lawyer, but ...
Racketeering is a type of organized crime in which the persons set up a coercive, fraudulent, extortionary, or otherwise illegal coordinated scheme or operation to repeatedly or consistently collect a profit.
I can't see how this activism is by any stretch "racketeering".
posted by Ickster at 11:12 AM on September 5, 2023 [15 favorites]
Racketeering is a type of organized crime in which the persons set up a coercive, fraudulent, extortionary, or otherwise illegal coordinated scheme or operation to repeatedly or consistently collect a profit.
I can't see how this activism is by any stretch "racketeering".
posted by Ickster at 11:12 AM on September 5, 2023 [15 favorites]
Yeah, that indictment is a political screed, not a legal document.
posted by Ickster at 11:14 AM on September 5, 2023 [10 favorites]
posted by Ickster at 11:14 AM on September 5, 2023 [10 favorites]
There's only one listed witness? Does that mean that this entire case is based on what one person told the grand jury, or are there witnesses not listed or even acknowledged for some reason?
posted by hippybear at 11:26 AM on September 5, 2023 [5 favorites]
posted by hippybear at 11:26 AM on September 5, 2023 [5 favorites]
The AP article, by reporter (and I am not making this up) R.J. Rico.
"In linking the defendants to the alleged conspiracy, prosecutors have made a huge series of allegations. That includes everything from possessing fire accelerant and throwing Molotov cocktails at police officers, to being reimbursed for glue and food for the activists who spent months camping in the woods near the construction site."
posted by Mr.Know-it-some at 11:34 AM on September 5, 2023 [5 favorites]
"In linking the defendants to the alleged conspiracy, prosecutors have made a huge series of allegations. That includes everything from possessing fire accelerant and throwing Molotov cocktails at police officers, to being reimbursed for glue and food for the activists who spent months camping in the woods near the construction site."
posted by Mr.Know-it-some at 11:34 AM on September 5, 2023 [5 favorites]
that indictment is a political screed, not a legal document.
I am horrified that someone who could write like that has a state position. Here are some choice tidbits from the indictment, for those who don't want to read through a 100+ page document:
I am horrified that someone who could write like that has a state position. Here are some choice tidbits from the indictment, for those who don't want to read through a 100+ page document:
"members of Defend the Atlanta Forest often contact news media and flood social media with claims that their unlawful actions are protected by the First Amendment."Also for those of you who aren't used to fucking RICO indictments, let's see some of the DAMNING CHARGES. [I've redacted names]
"After arrest, emotional and personal support is offered through letter writing campaigns and encouragements of "solidarity." In doing so, this offers emotional support and maintains the loyalty of the accused with the Defend the Atlanta Forest movement."
"Anarchists publish their own zines and publish their own statements because they do not trust the media to carry their message."
"On or about November 6, 2020, SP did transfer $40.00 to MK for radio communication devices and camp fuel. This was an overt act in furtherance of the conspiracy."And here's the fucking dangerous ones that implicate first amendment shit like phone zaps:
"On or about January 10, 2022, BC received $52.22 in reimbursement from the Network for Strong Communities for forest kitchen food. This was an overt act in furtherance of the conspiracy."
On November 18, 2021, MK, AM, and SP, along with unindicted co-conspirators that are unknown to the Grand Jury, did publish post on scenes.noblogs.org asking for supporters to flood the phones of Reeves Young Contractors to advocate for Reeves Young to pull out of its contract to build the Atlanta Public Safety Training Facility, thereby knowingly using threats against construction officials with the intent to cause and induce the constructionposted by corb at 11:35 AM on September 5, 2023 [27 favorites]
officials to withhold records, documents, and testimony in official proceedings. This was an overt act in furtherance of the conspiracy."
"On June 3, 2021, MK, AM, and SP, along with unindicted co-conspirators that are unknown to the Grand Jury, did publish post on scenes.noblogs.org calling for Week of Action from June 20-26, 2021. This was an overt act in furtherance of the conspiracy."
"On or about January 28, 2022, MK, AM, and SP, along with unindicted co-conspirators that are unknown to the Grand Jury, did publish post on scenes.noblogs.org recruiting more Defend the Atlanta Forest members. This was an overt act in furtherance of the conspiracy."
I heard via Twitter that the date listed on all the indictments is May 25, 2020 - significantly, that's
a) before any Stop Cop City activity
b) the date of George Floyd's murder
Which... look, I'm not surprised by the Attorney General going very hard on the indicted people more out of political animus than because they have committed any actual crimes, but I am surprised that they didn't try to put even a teeny tiny fig leaf over that fact.
posted by Jeanne at 11:38 AM on September 5, 2023 [10 favorites]
a) before any Stop Cop City activity
b) the date of George Floyd's murder
Which... look, I'm not surprised by the Attorney General going very hard on the indicted people more out of political animus than because they have committed any actual crimes, but I am surprised that they didn't try to put even a teeny tiny fig leaf over that fact.
posted by Jeanne at 11:38 AM on September 5, 2023 [10 favorites]
“The First Amendment is a cheap thing if all it provides is the assurance that one may say what a current majority is willing to hear.”
Charles Rembar
posted by robbyrobs at 11:46 AM on September 5, 2023 [15 favorites]
Charles Rembar
posted by robbyrobs at 11:46 AM on September 5, 2023 [15 favorites]
That is not the date listed on all the indictments. That is the date that they claim the first part of the conspiracy started, and they contain charges that go through late August of this year.
posted by hippybear at 11:50 AM on September 5, 2023 [8 favorites]
posted by hippybear at 11:50 AM on September 5, 2023 [8 favorites]
An addendum required for that quote is, "current majority of law enforcement and justice departments nationwide". It doesn't matter what the majority of the country thinks when Occupy is resisted by the Domestic Security Alliance Council and Joint Terrorism Task Force and the response from the FBI to missing the coup plotters on jan 6th is a meme.
posted by Slackermagee at 11:53 AM on September 5, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by Slackermagee at 11:53 AM on September 5, 2023 [3 favorites]
I must not file a bar complaint against the Attorney General of Georgia.
I must not file a bar complaint against the Attorney General of Georgia.
I must not file a bar complaint against the Attorney General of Georgia.
Georgia Bar Rules of Professional Responsibility for Attorneys
RULE 3.1 MERITORIOUS CLAIMS AND CONTENTIONS
In the representation of a client, a lawyer shall not:
(a) file a suit, assert a position, conduct a defense, delay a trial, or take other action on behalf of the client when the lawyer knows or when it is obvious that such action would serve merely to harass or maliciously injure another
RULE 3.4 FAIRNESS TO OPPOSING PARTY AND COUNSEL
A lawyer shall not:
(h) present, participate in presenting or threaten to present criminal charges solely to obtain an advantage in a civil matter
posted by corb at 12:04 PM on September 5, 2023 [18 favorites]
I must not file a bar complaint against the Attorney General of Georgia.
I must not file a bar complaint against the Attorney General of Georgia.
Georgia Bar Rules of Professional Responsibility for Attorneys
RULE 3.1 MERITORIOUS CLAIMS AND CONTENTIONS
In the representation of a client, a lawyer shall not:
(a) file a suit, assert a position, conduct a defense, delay a trial, or take other action on behalf of the client when the lawyer knows or when it is obvious that such action would serve merely to harass or maliciously injure another
RULE 3.4 FAIRNESS TO OPPOSING PARTY AND COUNSEL
A lawyer shall not:
(h) present, participate in presenting or threaten to present criminal charges solely to obtain an advantage in a civil matter
posted by corb at 12:04 PM on September 5, 2023 [18 favorites]
Looks like all of this "racketeering" activity was pretty out in the open.
I'd say they was takin' notes on something that ain't no criminal fuckin' conspiracy.
posted by Ickster at 12:32 PM on September 5, 2023 [5 favorites]
I'd say they was takin' notes on something that ain't no criminal fuckin' conspiracy.
posted by Ickster at 12:32 PM on September 5, 2023 [5 favorites]
(148) On or about January 18, 2023, GEOFFREY PARSONS did sign his name as
"ACAB." This was an overt act in furtherance of the conspiracy.
For serious.
posted by hydropsyche at 1:51 PM on September 5, 2023 [19 favorites]
"ACAB." This was an overt act in furtherance of the conspiracy.
For serious.
posted by hydropsyche at 1:51 PM on September 5, 2023 [19 favorites]
I don't know what they're talking about. 1312 was a fine year full of worthwhile events to celebrate. That he chose to express this in alphabetic terms instead of numbers, well, that's just conspiratorial thinking!
[This is deliberate backward-thinking parodying the whole "Eighty-eight" or "14 words" or whatever numerology that gets regularly applied in this milieu from the other side.]
posted by hippybear at 2:07 PM on September 5, 2023 [3 favorites]
[This is deliberate backward-thinking parodying the whole "Eighty-eight" or "14 words" or whatever numerology that gets regularly applied in this milieu from the other side.]
posted by hippybear at 2:07 PM on September 5, 2023 [3 favorites]
Mother of mercy, is this the end of RICO?
posted by kirkaracha at 2:25 PM on September 5, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by kirkaracha at 2:25 PM on September 5, 2023 [1 favorite]
did it ever occur to these cops and prosecutors that if you throw the book at protesters and cite them as domestic terrorists that they really have very little to lose by going ahead and becoming domestic terrorists?
they're going to create the enemy they're afraid of
posted by pyramid termite at 2:25 PM on September 5, 2023 [6 favorites]
they're going to create the enemy they're afraid of
posted by pyramid termite at 2:25 PM on September 5, 2023 [6 favorites]
did it ever occur to these cops and prosecutors that if you throw the book at protesters and cite them as domestic terrorists that they really have very little to lose by going ahead and becoming domestic terrorists?
And interesting comparison/contrast is the idea that Trump supporters might be turning out in force for each subsequent indictment of their Leader, especially as more and more of their group is sentenced to jail as "martyrs".
Oh, wait. That isn't happening.
Prosecution is a really strong dampening force on any movement, whether they're on "our" side or "their" side.
posted by hippybear at 2:32 PM on September 5, 2023 [14 favorites]
And interesting comparison/contrast is the idea that Trump supporters might be turning out in force for each subsequent indictment of their Leader, especially as more and more of their group is sentenced to jail as "martyrs".
Oh, wait. That isn't happening.
Prosecution is a really strong dampening force on any movement, whether they're on "our" side or "their" side.
posted by hippybear at 2:32 PM on September 5, 2023 [14 favorites]
corb don't forget:
1. X sent Y money for camping supplies
2. Someone reblogged ab article from some other site
3. Someone authored a blog post about the ongoing protest
The end goal though is to outlaw protest and make the sheer existence of any group which would dissent against government action a criminal conspiracy.posted by Panjandrum at 2:35 PM on September 5, 2023 [23 favorites]
On or about August 9, 2022, NAME received $11.91 in reimbursement from the Network for Strong Communities for glue. This was an overtOr the people who
act in furtherance of the conspiracy.
did publish post on scenes.noblogs.org requesting that Defend the Atlanta Forest members affirmatively approach construction workers and "take solidarity action," thereby knowingly using threats against construction officials with the intent to cause and induce the construction officials to withhold records, documents, and testimony in official proceedings. This was an overt act in furtherance of the conspiracy.The majority of the charges fail into 3 groups:
1. X sent Y money for camping supplies
2. Someone reblogged ab article from some other site
3. Someone authored a blog post about the ongoing protest
The end goal though is to outlaw protest and make the sheer existence of any group which would dissent against government action a criminal conspiracy.posted by Panjandrum at 2:35 PM on September 5, 2023 [23 favorites]
I feel like these charges are too over-the-top to have a significant chilling effect, assuming it all gets thrown out of court reasonably quickly.
(the thread that ties all these RICO cases together, if you're wondering, is that Republicans are corrupt, fascist assholes)
posted by ryanrs at 2:37 PM on September 5, 2023 [5 favorites]
(the thread that ties all these RICO cases together, if you're wondering, is that Republicans are corrupt, fascist assholes)
posted by ryanrs at 2:37 PM on September 5, 2023 [5 favorites]
did it ever occur to these cops and prosecutors that if you throw the book at protesters and cite them as domestic terrorists that they really have very little to lose by going ahead and becoming domestic terrorists?
I'm not sure how this is a bad thing, for them. Here they have proof that there's dangerous domestic terrorists afoot, & they need more budget. And look at what happened when too many people talked about 'defunding the police' (but at worst budgets stayed flat): The police refused to work, & then there was highly-publicized crime! (the crime waves later getting walked back is irrelevant) So clearly they need more budget, & more respect/deference so it's easier to hire police!
And then if this leads to some percentage of protesters becoming 'actual' domestic terrorists... clearly that's evidence that we need to raise police budgets, & maybe throw in some military surplus equipment because there's dangerous terrorists they couldn't be expected to face with their current armored cars.
It's all upside!
posted by CrystalDave at 2:39 PM on September 5, 2023 [9 favorites]
I'm not sure how this is a bad thing, for them. Here they have proof that there's dangerous domestic terrorists afoot, & they need more budget. And look at what happened when too many people talked about 'defunding the police' (but at worst budgets stayed flat): The police refused to work, & then there was highly-publicized crime! (the crime waves later getting walked back is irrelevant) So clearly they need more budget, & more respect/deference so it's easier to hire police!
And then if this leads to some percentage of protesters becoming 'actual' domestic terrorists... clearly that's evidence that we need to raise police budgets, & maybe throw in some military surplus equipment because there's dangerous terrorists they couldn't be expected to face with their current armored cars.
It's all upside!
posted by CrystalDave at 2:39 PM on September 5, 2023 [9 favorites]
Folks over in the January 6th Proud Boys thread should mosey over here and consider the impact of cheering for conspiracy charges.
I remember the first critique I read of hate crimes legislation (from Les Feinberg)... I was very doubtful, but Les was prophetic that these laws are not being used intended.
Even if this whole indictment goes down in flames it is absolutely chilling to the individuals and small networks involved in these actions. The law is not our friend.
posted by latkes at 3:05 PM on September 5, 2023 [2 favorites]
I remember the first critique I read of hate crimes legislation (from Les Feinberg)... I was very doubtful, but Les was prophetic that these laws are not being used intended.
Even if this whole indictment goes down in flames it is absolutely chilling to the individuals and small networks involved in these actions. The law is not our friend.
posted by latkes at 3:05 PM on September 5, 2023 [2 favorites]
Ken White on RICO vs Georgia RICO (in response to the Trump charges).
posted by chromecow at 3:14 PM on September 5, 2023
posted by chromecow at 3:14 PM on September 5, 2023
Folks over in the January 6th Proud Boys thread should mosey over here and consider the impact of cheering for conspiracy charges.
Massive eyeroll at this nonsense.
A rare instance of some Nazis catching some consequences for shit they clearly did, publicly and persistently, does not change the fact that cops and prosecutors are excessive in their pursuit of protestors. Whatever slippery slope you are arguing exists, we are already at the bottom of it.
posted by Artw at 3:15 PM on September 5, 2023 [30 favorites]
Massive eyeroll at this nonsense.
A rare instance of some Nazis catching some consequences for shit they clearly did, publicly and persistently, does not change the fact that cops and prosecutors are excessive in their pursuit of protestors. Whatever slippery slope you are arguing exists, we are already at the bottom of it.
posted by Artw at 3:15 PM on September 5, 2023 [30 favorites]
Folks over in the January 6th Proud Boys thread should mosey over here and consider the impact of cheering for conspiracy charges.
What I'm hearing is, "We must not prosecute Republicans for serious corruption, lest they corruptly prosecute us for political reasons."
But that's just surrendering to fascists. The correct action is to (1) prosecute the fuck out of the Jan 6 conspiracy, and at the same time, (2) throw out this case and maybe try to disbar or impeach the AG, if you can.
posted by ryanrs at 3:15 PM on September 5, 2023 [38 favorites]
What I'm hearing is, "We must not prosecute Republicans for serious corruption, lest they corruptly prosecute us for political reasons."
But that's just surrendering to fascists. The correct action is to (1) prosecute the fuck out of the Jan 6 conspiracy, and at the same time, (2) throw out this case and maybe try to disbar or impeach the AG, if you can.
posted by ryanrs at 3:15 PM on September 5, 2023 [38 favorites]
I'm not sure how this is a bad thing, for them.
What you describe would only be a potential upside to the surviving cops.
posted by GCU Sweet and Full of Grace at 3:16 PM on September 5, 2023 [3 favorites]
What you describe would only be a potential upside to the surviving cops.
posted by GCU Sweet and Full of Grace at 3:16 PM on September 5, 2023 [3 favorites]
Conspiring to protest that results in a breach of law should be a civil charge as there is no prior criminal behavior to said Incident and I see no malice aforethought.
Banish him to the Belgae.
posted by clavdivs at 3:28 PM on September 5, 2023 [1 favorite]
Banish him to the Belgae.
posted by clavdivs at 3:28 PM on September 5, 2023 [1 favorite]
they're going to create the enemy they're afraid of
There’s an upcoming book on the history of using the carceral system as a counterinsurgent tool starting in the 60s. The author, Orisamni Burton, was on a recent TrueAnon episode (skip to 11:30 if you’re not down with Brace Belden’s antics).
Anyway, in that interview Dr Burton mentions prisons prior to this push as being universities for revolutionary thought. What would it take to get back to that I wonder.
posted by supercres at 3:33 PM on September 5, 2023 [3 favorites]
There’s an upcoming book on the history of using the carceral system as a counterinsurgent tool starting in the 60s. The author, Orisamni Burton, was on a recent TrueAnon episode (skip to 11:30 if you’re not down with Brace Belden’s antics).
Anyway, in that interview Dr Burton mentions prisons prior to this push as being universities for revolutionary thought. What would it take to get back to that I wonder.
posted by supercres at 3:33 PM on September 5, 2023 [3 favorites]
Even if this whole indictment goes down in flames it is absolutely chilling to the individuals and small networks involved in these actions.
And also remember that there are only so many First Amendment attorneys in the area that can take on this kind of thing at one time. 60+ indictments is a massive, massive amount of the available resources in the county. And of course, while people are jailed, they are out of work, having to scramble to take care of children, etc. Even a day is incredibly disrupting to lives. The terror is the point.
Southern Center for Human Right's First Amendment Bridge, by the way, is trying to fund attorneys to do some of this work. It is also seeking attorneys, if you are an attorney in GA or know an attorney in GA who does this kind of work and are interested in helping out please email them. (This is confirmed as an org doing the work, there's also a blast from the National Lawyers Guild about it). You can also donate to them by going here and choosing "First Amendment Lawyer Bridge" from the pull-down tab.
posted by corb at 3:34 PM on September 5, 2023 [14 favorites]
And also remember that there are only so many First Amendment attorneys in the area that can take on this kind of thing at one time. 60+ indictments is a massive, massive amount of the available resources in the county. And of course, while people are jailed, they are out of work, having to scramble to take care of children, etc. Even a day is incredibly disrupting to lives. The terror is the point.
Southern Center for Human Right's First Amendment Bridge, by the way, is trying to fund attorneys to do some of this work. It is also seeking attorneys, if you are an attorney in GA or know an attorney in GA who does this kind of work and are interested in helping out please email them. (This is confirmed as an org doing the work, there's also a blast from the National Lawyers Guild about it). You can also donate to them by going here and choosing "First Amendment Lawyer Bridge" from the pull-down tab.
posted by corb at 3:34 PM on September 5, 2023 [14 favorites]
One time I was charged with felony conspiracy to commit a traffic infraction (early 2000s, Oakland, CA). If someone can dig up the records, please link them.
So yes, as an activist I was charged with a bullshit conspiracy. And I am against that--politically motivated bullshit conspiracy charges aimed at activists. Yet I remain in favor of prosecuting genuine criminal conspiracies, such as Jan 6, Trump generally, organized crime, white collar criminal conspiracies, etc.
Basically I am in favor of prosecuting actual, bad conspiracies, but not in favor or making up fake politically-motivated conspiracies. I don't think these views are in conflict, at all.
posted by ryanrs at 3:41 PM on September 5, 2023 [29 favorites]
So yes, as an activist I was charged with a bullshit conspiracy. And I am against that--politically motivated bullshit conspiracy charges aimed at activists. Yet I remain in favor of prosecuting genuine criminal conspiracies, such as Jan 6, Trump generally, organized crime, white collar criminal conspiracies, etc.
Basically I am in favor of prosecuting actual, bad conspiracies, but not in favor or making up fake politically-motivated conspiracies. I don't think these views are in conflict, at all.
posted by ryanrs at 3:41 PM on September 5, 2023 [29 favorites]
Raynrs, I was just thinking about a friend of my brothers who had a lengthy battle with San Francisco police around protest organizing in the early 200’s as well. I don’t have a handy link either, but the first amendment vs criminal conspiracy is certianly not something Atlanta police have recently invented. This Rico suit does seem to take it to a new extreme.
posted by CostcoCultist at 4:10 PM on September 5, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by CostcoCultist at 4:10 PM on September 5, 2023 [3 favorites]
This was 20 people riding bikes over the Bay Bridge during the morning commute, demanding a bike lane. We'd ride the upper deck from Oakland to SF. And it wasn't a slow, obstructive protest. You pedaled fast, in a pack in one lane, because you wanted to get across the San Francisco county line so your case would go to SF, where Terence Hallinan was the DA. Hallinan's office was pretty clear that they didn't give a shit about tying up traffic for a protest.
The Oakland DA, on the other hand was a huge asshole. He would have loved to charge us. But we made it all the way to SF proper, and exited on Fremont street (and were promptly arrested). So he didn't even get a chance at us, ha!
But there was a sign on the Oakland side that said 'No Pedestrians, Bicycles, Motor-Driven Cycles'. And so the Oakland DA charged us with conspiracy to disobey that sign.
There will be a court record for Ryan Salsbury, represented by Larry Hildes, somewhere in Oakland. Jason Meggs is probably on there, too. I imagine the court records are online, someone find it and post a link.
As I recall, the case was laughed out of court, although that might have just been my lawyer laughing. I think the court chastised the DA in some way, too, but I don't remember the specifics.
Tying it this all back to the case at hand, the way these things go wrt representation is that most of the defendants are represented together by one or more 1st amendment/activism lawyers (one for me, prob more for a case this large). But you definitely don't need 60 separate lawyers. A lot of the charges and facts will be the same for many defendants, so there are some efficiencies.
You'll also often have one or two rich kids who go it alone, paired up with some random lawyer, or their dad's lawyer or whatever. These defendants seem more likely to do dumb shit like take a plea for a misdemeanor, rather than the big, scary felony. (Don't do that, stick with the NLG lawyer.)
posted by ryanrs at 4:50 PM on September 5, 2023 [16 favorites]
The Oakland DA, on the other hand was a huge asshole. He would have loved to charge us. But we made it all the way to SF proper, and exited on Fremont street (and were promptly arrested). So he didn't even get a chance at us, ha!
But there was a sign on the Oakland side that said 'No Pedestrians, Bicycles, Motor-Driven Cycles'. And so the Oakland DA charged us with conspiracy to disobey that sign.
There will be a court record for Ryan Salsbury, represented by Larry Hildes, somewhere in Oakland. Jason Meggs is probably on there, too. I imagine the court records are online, someone find it and post a link.
As I recall, the case was laughed out of court, although that might have just been my lawyer laughing. I think the court chastised the DA in some way, too, but I don't remember the specifics.
Tying it this all back to the case at hand, the way these things go wrt representation is that most of the defendants are represented together by one or more 1st amendment/activism lawyers (one for me, prob more for a case this large). But you definitely don't need 60 separate lawyers. A lot of the charges and facts will be the same for many defendants, so there are some efficiencies.
You'll also often have one or two rich kids who go it alone, paired up with some random lawyer, or their dad's lawyer or whatever. These defendants seem more likely to do dumb shit like take a plea for a misdemeanor, rather than the big, scary felony. (Don't do that, stick with the NLG lawyer.)
posted by ryanrs at 4:50 PM on September 5, 2023 [16 favorites]
The alleged "racket" seems to be, if I commit acts of violence, then people will give me money. Not, like, the people I'm commiting violence against, but people who are sympathetic to my cause.
posted by muddgirl at 4:53 PM on September 5, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by muddgirl at 4:53 PM on September 5, 2023 [2 favorites]
The alleged "racket" seems to be, if I commit acts of violence, then people will give me money. Not, like, the people I'm commiting violence against, but people who are sympathetic to my cause.
I look forward to the upcoming spate of racketeering prosecutions for Proud Boys, 3%ers and Kyle Rittenhouse, all of whose violent acts were enthusiastically endorsed and supported through right-wing crowdfunding websites.
posted by Two unicycles and some duct tape at 5:19 PM on September 5, 2023 [5 favorites]
I look forward to the upcoming spate of racketeering prosecutions for Proud Boys, 3%ers and Kyle Rittenhouse, all of whose violent acts were enthusiastically endorsed and supported through right-wing crowdfunding websites.
posted by Two unicycles and some duct tape at 5:19 PM on September 5, 2023 [5 favorites]
You can't reform this.
posted by AlSweigart at 5:22 PM on September 5, 2023 [7 favorites]
posted by AlSweigart at 5:22 PM on September 5, 2023 [7 favorites]
The case I am thinking of was going after protest organizers (large peaceful anti war protests) when someone smashed the window of a cop car. I am pretty sure a went a a basement punk show to help raise money for legal fees, so I guess I was part of the racketeering?
posted by CostcoCultist at 5:23 PM on September 5, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by CostcoCultist at 5:23 PM on September 5, 2023 [1 favorite]
I remember the G8 protests in Brunswick / Sea Island. I can't remember why those kids were detained for so long without bail.
But I do remember the county Sheriff dispersed our 'unlawful assembly ' of....ten kids in their twenties hanging out in the park discussing how to get fresh socks to the kids (literally minors) inside the jail. And we complied, and dispersed to...two booths in a waffle house.
I think those kids were charged with some form of "protestors arm was in the path of a GBI boot." I will have to look it up.
I am glad to hear that these activists have legal support from NLG and others.
posted by eustatic at 5:26 PM on September 5, 2023 [7 favorites]
But I do remember the county Sheriff dispersed our 'unlawful assembly ' of....ten kids in their twenties hanging out in the park discussing how to get fresh socks to the kids (literally minors) inside the jail. And we complied, and dispersed to...two booths in a waffle house.
I think those kids were charged with some form of "protestors arm was in the path of a GBI boot." I will have to look it up.
I am glad to hear that these activists have legal support from NLG and others.
posted by eustatic at 5:26 PM on September 5, 2023 [7 favorites]
Wildcat strike? RICO charge.
Prank-based YouTube channel? RICO charge.
posted by muddgirl at 5:54 PM on September 5, 2023 [6 favorites]
Prank-based YouTube channel? RICO charge.
posted by muddgirl at 5:54 PM on September 5, 2023 [6 favorites]
Here in Minneapolis between 2008 and about 2012 we had two long, drawn-out court cases, one against the RNC 8, some of the people who organized the protests against the Republican National Convention and one against members of a local communist organization. These were comparatively bullshit court cases but what they did was eat up money, time and effort and punish both the people directly involved and their communities.
Times are a lot worse now and the state has more ability and incentive to actually crush people instead of just grind them down for a few years, so maybe this will be the court case where masses of people really do start going to jail on truly bullshit, phony charges* but at the very least, a case like this is designed to be a huge spoke in the movement's wheel. Even if it falls apart after a year or two, that's a huge amount of money and hours and emotion and effort that gets directed at something other than the goal itself.
You'll also often have one or two rich kids who go it alone, paired up with some random lawyer, or their dad's lawyer or whatever. These defendants seem more likely to do dumb shit like take a plea for a misdemeanor, rather than the big, scary felony. (Don't do that, stick with the NLG lawyer.)
This is extremely, extremely true.
*Note that smaller numbers of activists have gone to jail on more or less bullshit charges - green scare, etc - but the exceptionally large number of people involved here PLUS the transparently bullshit charges are a real intensification.
posted by Frowner at 6:18 PM on September 5, 2023 [11 favorites]
Times are a lot worse now and the state has more ability and incentive to actually crush people instead of just grind them down for a few years, so maybe this will be the court case where masses of people really do start going to jail on truly bullshit, phony charges* but at the very least, a case like this is designed to be a huge spoke in the movement's wheel. Even if it falls apart after a year or two, that's a huge amount of money and hours and emotion and effort that gets directed at something other than the goal itself.
You'll also often have one or two rich kids who go it alone, paired up with some random lawyer, or their dad's lawyer or whatever. These defendants seem more likely to do dumb shit like take a plea for a misdemeanor, rather than the big, scary felony. (Don't do that, stick with the NLG lawyer.)
This is extremely, extremely true.
*Note that smaller numbers of activists have gone to jail on more or less bullshit charges - green scare, etc - but the exceptionally large number of people involved here PLUS the transparently bullshit charges are a real intensification.
posted by Frowner at 6:18 PM on September 5, 2023 [11 favorites]
The fact that the case is obvious bullshit is besides the point. The law is a thin pretext for the exercise of state violence. I think even radicals are underestimating just how little pushing it takes for the mask to slip. The fascists understand that this is an honest to god open class war, and they will not hesitate to widen the zone of acceptable targets and tactics.
posted by jy4m at 7:20 PM on September 5, 2023 [5 favorites]
posted by jy4m at 7:20 PM on September 5, 2023 [5 favorites]
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr discusses his prosecutorial ambitions
posted by Two unicycles and some duct tape at 7:30 PM on September 5, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by Two unicycles and some duct tape at 7:30 PM on September 5, 2023 [3 favorites]
I don't want to get indicted, so I'll just say what I always say: Abolition is the only way forward.
posted by ob1quixote at 9:16 PM on September 5, 2023 [8 favorites]
posted by ob1quixote at 9:16 PM on September 5, 2023 [8 favorites]
It feels to me like this entire Cop City project is a direct response to the spread of abolitionist ideas after the murder of George Floyd. That's why they put the May 25, 2020 date on there. It's sending a very clear message.
posted by panic at 4:14 AM on September 6, 2023 [15 favorites]
posted by panic at 4:14 AM on September 6, 2023 [15 favorites]
we should be boycotting entertainers who continue to profit from making appearances in fascist states like Georgia, Florida and Texas a la Sun City. Or else this fascism will just spread throughout the country. I've read my history, this is how it works.
posted by any major dude at 4:37 AM on September 6, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by any major dude at 4:37 AM on September 6, 2023 [1 favorite]
“Cop City Protesters Hit With RICO Charges in Latest Act of Political Repression,” Meg O'Connor, The Appeal, 05 September 2023
posted by ob1quixote at 5:38 AM on September 6, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by ob1quixote at 5:38 AM on September 6, 2023 [2 favorites]
Times are a lot worse now and the state has more ability and incentive to actually crush people instead of just grind them down for a few years, so maybe this will be the court case where masses of people really do start going to jail on truly bullshit, phony charges* but at the very least, a case like this is designed to be a huge spoke in the movement's wheel. Even if it falls apart after a year or two, that's a huge amount of money and hours and emotion and effort that gets directed at something other than the goal itself.
I wish there were greater punishments for putting forth bullshit cases like this. Not just the state losing, but paying meaningful fines, or people losing their bar licenses. The state can put forth charges that it knows will very likely eventually be tossed out, but the value is in causing tremendous pain and stress and punishment along the way. When it is clearly a BS case, that pain and stress and punishment should come back on the people pushing this forward. They need to have some skin in the game.
posted by Dip Flash at 6:18 AM on September 6, 2023 [5 favorites]
I wish there were greater punishments for putting forth bullshit cases like this. Not just the state losing, but paying meaningful fines, or people losing their bar licenses. The state can put forth charges that it knows will very likely eventually be tossed out, but the value is in causing tremendous pain and stress and punishment along the way. When it is clearly a BS case, that pain and stress and punishment should come back on the people pushing this forward. They need to have some skin in the game.
posted by Dip Flash at 6:18 AM on September 6, 2023 [5 favorites]
Something like anti-SLAPP legislation, only for criminal charges instead of lawsuits, seems to be required.
posted by flabdablet at 6:36 AM on September 6, 2023 [4 favorites]
posted by flabdablet at 6:36 AM on September 6, 2023 [4 favorites]
Something like anti-SLAPP legislation, only for criminal charges instead of lawsuits, seems to be required
I mean, this is a genuinely very clear violation of bar rules. I'm not fucking kidding. The maximum penalty for some of the sections this seems to violate is disbarment. Now will the Georgia bar disbar the sitting attorney general? Almost certainly not. But should they? Almost certainly yes.
posted by corb at 7:00 AM on September 6, 2023 [7 favorites]
I mean, this is a genuinely very clear violation of bar rules. I'm not fucking kidding. The maximum penalty for some of the sections this seems to violate is disbarment. Now will the Georgia bar disbar the sitting attorney general? Almost certainly not. But should they? Almost certainly yes.
posted by corb at 7:00 AM on September 6, 2023 [7 favorites]
“RICO Charges Against Stop Cop City Protesters Are an Assault on Solidarity,” Kelly Hayes, Kelly's Substack, 05 September 2023
posted by ob1quixote at 7:38 AM on September 6, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by ob1quixote at 7:38 AM on September 6, 2023 [1 favorite]
we should be boycotting entertainers who continue to profit from making appearances in fascist states like Georgia, Florida and Texas a la Sun City. Or else this fascism will just spread throughout the country. I've read my history, this is how it works.
Can we not do this? How on earth is boycotting entertainers going to do anything but hurt the people who live here and are actually fighting actual facism? Do you think Chris Carr cares whether you see Beyonce or the Falcons or whoever it is you're thinking of boycotting? Meanwhile, how does your boycott help the people indicted here, the people whose daily lives will be directly affected by living next to Cop City, the people whose daily lives will be directly affected by more militarized policing, the people whose downstream water quality will be impacted?
How about you just donate to the Southern Center for Human Rights or the South River Watershed Alliance instead?
posted by hydropsyche at 7:57 AM on September 6, 2023 [9 favorites]
Can we not do this? How on earth is boycotting entertainers going to do anything but hurt the people who live here and are actually fighting actual facism? Do you think Chris Carr cares whether you see Beyonce or the Falcons or whoever it is you're thinking of boycotting? Meanwhile, how does your boycott help the people indicted here, the people whose daily lives will be directly affected by living next to Cop City, the people whose daily lives will be directly affected by more militarized policing, the people whose downstream water quality will be impacted?
How about you just donate to the Southern Center for Human Rights or the South River Watershed Alliance instead?
posted by hydropsyche at 7:57 AM on September 6, 2023 [9 favorites]
I can simultaneously think that a) these charges are bullshit and total fascism, b) that the powers that be are trying to ram Cop City down our throat by any means necessary, and c) that "abolition" is one of the two or three stupidest things on the Ardent Progressive agenda and a guaranteed winner for Republicans.
I live in intown Atlanta, and everyone I know went and signed the petition to put Cop City to a referendum in November, and even though that referendum will pass, the city government (which, especially now, are black faces doing the bidding of white corporate power) will try to nullify or ignore it.
Something that doesn't get talked about much in articles on the subject is that a big reason the police want this is because they're going to rent it out to the dozens of movie studios in the area as a location for action scenes, and profit from it off the money taxpayers are being forced to spend.
posted by outgrown_hobnail at 9:00 AM on September 6, 2023 [4 favorites]
I live in intown Atlanta, and everyone I know went and signed the petition to put Cop City to a referendum in November, and even though that referendum will pass, the city government (which, especially now, are black faces doing the bidding of white corporate power) will try to nullify or ignore it.
Something that doesn't get talked about much in articles on the subject is that a big reason the police want this is because they're going to rent it out to the dozens of movie studios in the area as a location for action scenes, and profit from it off the money taxpayers are being forced to spend.
posted by outgrown_hobnail at 9:00 AM on September 6, 2023 [4 favorites]
that "abolition" is one of the two or three stupidest things on the Ardent Progressive agenda and a guaranteed winner for Republicans.
Okay, unpacking that…
“winner for republicans” you may be right on… certainly republicans love cops and there’s a kind of liberal that lives cops and will vote Republican to preserve them.
(Note that whether there is any kind of active movement towards abolition or defunding probably doesn’t matter much when they are being sold on this. )
But… “stupid”?
Cops are vast resource hogs that deliver little in return. They actively prey upon those they allegedly serve - destroy communities and soak up resources that could be used to rebuild them. As other services get refunded to support the police they take up those roles and do a shitty job of them at many times the price. They are beyond oversight and consequently have become massively corrupt.
If you acknowledge that as truth, is wanting to do something about it stupid?
posted by Artw at 9:16 AM on September 6, 2023 [9 favorites]
Okay, unpacking that…
“winner for republicans” you may be right on… certainly republicans love cops and there’s a kind of liberal that lives cops and will vote Republican to preserve them.
(Note that whether there is any kind of active movement towards abolition or defunding probably doesn’t matter much when they are being sold on this. )
But… “stupid”?
Cops are vast resource hogs that deliver little in return. They actively prey upon those they allegedly serve - destroy communities and soak up resources that could be used to rebuild them. As other services get refunded to support the police they take up those roles and do a shitty job of them at many times the price. They are beyond oversight and consequently have become massively corrupt.
If you acknowledge that as truth, is wanting to do something about it stupid?
posted by Artw at 9:16 AM on September 6, 2023 [9 favorites]
I'm not a Democrat. Given that, why should I care if making demands of Democrats hurts their electoral chances? Abolition is good policy. It's good for people that live and work in cities. It's bad for cops, and for people that own things in cities, which I like. The basic bargain of representative politics is that an elected party will do something for the people who voted for it, not that people will tailor their desires to the political needs of the party that owns them.
posted by jy4m at 9:30 AM on September 6, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by jy4m at 9:30 AM on September 6, 2023 [3 favorites]
Cops are vast resource hogs that deliver little in return. They actively prey upon those they allegedly serve - destroy communities and soak up resources that could be used to rebuild them. As other services get refunded to support the police they take up those roles and do a shitty job of them at many times the price. They are beyond oversight and consequently have become massively corrupt.
If you acknowledge that as truth, is wanting to do something about it stupid?
It's not so much about denying reality, it's about being strategic. Republicans and other right leaning agents have move the Overton window to the right over decades by saturating parts of the populace in non-stop propaganda. If people want to truly fight back about this? They need to use turnabout tactics.
You can't call police evil outright because it immediately turns people off you as ideologic. You gotta be more subtle. Start JAQing about the police service. Provide alternative narratives on how things could be that people can make sense of. Concern troll that you want the police to be the best police. Citizen oversight of police forces rather than internal? People should be able to see everything about their police so they can feel like they're getting value for money. If they have nothing to hide, they have nothing to fear. Hell, appeal to market solutions that can lower taxes that disable the worst of the problem (i.e. make police carry their own brutality insurance).
If you say abolish the police, sure, you're preaching to a choir but it's small. People, especially normies, are going to act reflexively to a such a provocative statement. If you death by a thousand cuts them under the guise of genuine concern you'll probably see more success. Boiling frog the Overton window back to the left.
posted by Your Childhood Pet Rock at 9:32 AM on September 6, 2023 [6 favorites]
If you acknowledge that as truth, is wanting to do something about it stupid?
It's not so much about denying reality, it's about being strategic. Republicans and other right leaning agents have move the Overton window to the right over decades by saturating parts of the populace in non-stop propaganda. If people want to truly fight back about this? They need to use turnabout tactics.
You can't call police evil outright because it immediately turns people off you as ideologic. You gotta be more subtle. Start JAQing about the police service. Provide alternative narratives on how things could be that people can make sense of. Concern troll that you want the police to be the best police. Citizen oversight of police forces rather than internal? People should be able to see everything about their police so they can feel like they're getting value for money. If they have nothing to hide, they have nothing to fear. Hell, appeal to market solutions that can lower taxes that disable the worst of the problem (i.e. make police carry their own brutality insurance).
If you say abolish the police, sure, you're preaching to a choir but it's small. People, especially normies, are going to act reflexively to a such a provocative statement. If you death by a thousand cuts them under the guise of genuine concern you'll probably see more success. Boiling frog the Overton window back to the left.
posted by Your Childhood Pet Rock at 9:32 AM on September 6, 2023 [6 favorites]
Strategy involves having a goal and actually working towards it, and acknowledging when tactics (incremental reform, try to be friends with the police by sneaking them just a little extra funding, etc.) have failed.
posted by Artw at 9:44 AM on September 6, 2023 [4 favorites]
posted by Artw at 9:44 AM on September 6, 2023 [4 favorites]
You can't call police evil outright because it immediately turns people off you as ideologic.
I don't know man, I spend all day every day reading 'so then the cops were fuckers because why the fuck not' cases, indictments, briefs. There was a time once when I could talk about the police for more than ten minutes without cursing. I don't know when that time stopped, but it's long past gone. I'm not saying there's not valuable service in people doing that Overton window moving, but like...some of us just can't anymore.
posted by corb at 10:04 AM on September 6, 2023 [18 favorites]
I don't know man, I spend all day every day reading 'so then the cops were fuckers because why the fuck not' cases, indictments, briefs. There was a time once when I could talk about the police for more than ten minutes without cursing. I don't know when that time stopped, but it's long past gone. I'm not saying there's not valuable service in people doing that Overton window moving, but like...some of us just can't anymore.
posted by corb at 10:04 AM on September 6, 2023 [18 favorites]
I've no idea how "boycotting entertainers" helps here, but you could stop watching Marvel movies over Cop City. No harm done. :)
posted by jeffburdges at 2:39 PM on September 6, 2023
posted by jeffburdges at 2:39 PM on September 6, 2023
ACLU Condemns Unprecedented RICO Indictment of People Protesting Construction of Controversial Police Training Center in Georgia
“We are extremely concerned by this breathtakingly broad and unprecedented use of state terrorism, anti-racketeering, and money laundering laws against protesters,” said Aamra Ahmad, senior staff attorney with ACLU’s National Security Project. “Georgia law enforcement officials are disproportionately wielding these overbroad laws to stigmatize and target those who disagree with the government.”posted by hydropsyche at 3:51 PM on September 6, 2023 [5 favorites]
“MSNBC, CNN, CBS News, ABC News, NBC News Ignore Extraordinary ‘Cop City’ RICO Indictment,” Adam Johnson, The Column, 06 September 2023
posted by ob1quixote at 5:37 AM on September 7, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by ob1quixote at 5:37 AM on September 7, 2023 [3 favorites]
“Drones Over Brooklyn, RICO for Cop City Protesters,” Spencer Ackerman, Forever Wars, 06 September 2023
posted by ob1quixote at 6:49 AM on September 7, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by ob1quixote at 6:49 AM on September 7, 2023 [1 favorite]
TV news is just not journalism any more. I understand that it once was, but it seems like that was a long time ago.
posted by hydropsyche at 7:39 AM on September 7, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by hydropsyche at 7:39 AM on September 7, 2023 [3 favorites]
Plus media and the cops are basically hand in glove on most things, certainly this.
posted by Artw at 7:41 AM on September 7, 2023
posted by Artw at 7:41 AM on September 7, 2023
NPR managed to do it and of course our local station WABE is all over it
posted by hydropsyche at 10:30 AM on September 7, 2023 [4 favorites]
posted by hydropsyche at 10:30 AM on September 7, 2023 [4 favorites]
Police are not primarily crime fighters, according to the data
posted by Artw at 4:42 PM on September 8, 2023 [7 favorites]
posted by Artw at 4:42 PM on September 8, 2023 [7 favorites]
The Atlanta Solidarity Fund continues to exist and help bail out and pay for the defense of activists being prosecuted by the state and city. You can donate to it here: https://actionnetwork.org/fundraising/contribute-to-the-atlanta-solidarity-fund
The Atlanta Community Press Collective has been dissecting the RICO charges and generally has really good, in-depth coverage of this issue. They have a number of articles on this on their website with the one going into details on the charges here: https://atlpresscollective.com/2023/09/05/georgia-attorney-general-brings-rico-indictments-against-61-activists/
It's noted in the RICO indictment that usage of the initialism ACAB and participation in the autonomous zone in the wake of Rayshard Brooks' murder by the APD constitutes organized criminal activity. Essentially - if you have a history of participating in civil disobedience or have expressed dissatisfaction with policing you are, in the eyes of the state of Georgia (and soon a great many states who are working on expanding and easing RICO charge filings) a career criminal. This is literally another step towards fascism:
Construct an internal enemy, as both focus and diversion. [...] Criminalize the enemy. Then prepare, budget for and rationalize the building of holding arenas for the enemy-especially its males and absolutely its children.
You can get involved with the signature collection effort as it is still ongoing with signatures set to be turned in this Monday (ie 9/11/23) along with public comments at City Hall at 1pm. You can find volunteer opportunities and info sessions here: https://www.mobilize.us/stopcopcity/ though their social media tends to be better updated.
We are at the 'first they came for the socialists' part of this descent into fascism. I hope that we can learn a bit from history and get involved sooner and in a more timely fashion than in the past. It is happening here and will not stop happening here unless organized social movements full of dedicated folks are involved.
posted by paimapi at 7:14 PM on September 9, 2023 [10 favorites]
The Atlanta Community Press Collective has been dissecting the RICO charges and generally has really good, in-depth coverage of this issue. They have a number of articles on this on their website with the one going into details on the charges here: https://atlpresscollective.com/2023/09/05/georgia-attorney-general-brings-rico-indictments-against-61-activists/
It's noted in the RICO indictment that usage of the initialism ACAB and participation in the autonomous zone in the wake of Rayshard Brooks' murder by the APD constitutes organized criminal activity. Essentially - if you have a history of participating in civil disobedience or have expressed dissatisfaction with policing you are, in the eyes of the state of Georgia (and soon a great many states who are working on expanding and easing RICO charge filings) a career criminal. This is literally another step towards fascism:
Construct an internal enemy, as both focus and diversion. [...] Criminalize the enemy. Then prepare, budget for and rationalize the building of holding arenas for the enemy-especially its males and absolutely its children.
You can get involved with the signature collection effort as it is still ongoing with signatures set to be turned in this Monday (ie 9/11/23) along with public comments at City Hall at 1pm. You can find volunteer opportunities and info sessions here: https://www.mobilize.us/stopcopcity/ though their social media tends to be better updated.
We are at the 'first they came for the socialists' part of this descent into fascism. I hope that we can learn a bit from history and get involved sooner and in a more timely fashion than in the past. It is happening here and will not stop happening here unless organized social movements full of dedicated folks are involved.
posted by paimapi at 7:14 PM on September 9, 2023 [10 favorites]
The Atlanta City Clerk office appears to be delaying the certification of signatures for the ballot petition. ACPC is livetweeting the City Council meeting occurring today at 1PM ET today.
Meanwhile, one of the more progressive members of the Atlanta City Council just introduced an ordinance that will make East Atlanta Village (EAV, currently being rapidly gentrified and which has been the 'hip' neighborhood for the past decade) a 'drug-free commercial zone' which heightens penalties for drug-related crimes resulting in up to 20 years in prison for a first time offense (noted in the sixth slide in the series.)
posted by paimapi at 9:32 AM on September 11, 2023 [3 favorites]
Meanwhile, one of the more progressive members of the Atlanta City Council just introduced an ordinance that will make East Atlanta Village (EAV, currently being rapidly gentrified and which has been the 'hip' neighborhood for the past decade) a 'drug-free commercial zone' which heightens penalties for drug-related crimes resulting in up to 20 years in prison for a first time offense (noted in the sixth slide in the series.)
posted by paimapi at 9:32 AM on September 11, 2023 [3 favorites]
“F*ck the Police”—F.D Signifier, 11 September 2023
posted by ob1quixote at 3:57 PM on September 11, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by ob1quixote at 3:57 PM on September 11, 2023 [2 favorites]
paimapi: That's horrifying. I am so confused about why Bakhtiari and Norwood would be pushing for this, especially right now.
posted by hydropsyche at 4:33 PM on September 11, 2023
posted by hydropsyche at 4:33 PM on September 11, 2023
This is an interesting thing I just saw on Mastodon:
"Dating the indictment to Floyd’s murder shows the state of Georgia to be prosecuting a nationwide conspiracy of antiracist opposition to police violence." -@kiplet@social.tchncs.de
Not sure who he's quoting, those quotation marks are in the post, but it feels reflective of what I've absorbed about this indictment.
posted by hippybear at 4:47 PM on September 11, 2023 [2 favorites]
"Dating the indictment to Floyd’s murder shows the state of Georgia to be prosecuting a nationwide conspiracy of antiracist opposition to police violence." -@kiplet@social.tchncs.de
Not sure who he's quoting, those quotation marks are in the post, but it feels reflective of what I've absorbed about this indictment.
posted by hippybear at 4:47 PM on September 11, 2023 [2 favorites]
Bakhtiari retracted their ordinance change and apologized for it and issued a statement in support of the petitioners. It sounds like they may be working in the background to pass a resolution to add it to the ballot directly without the signature requirements.
Andre's office appears to have issued a directive to not verify the petitions (which are still subjected to signature matching) until the appeal on petition requirements is settled. Comments by one of the lawyers representing the ballot measure initiative.
Regardless, since the petition requires signers to be 1) registered to vote in 2020 for the last Mayoral election and 2) a CoA resident, the 116,000 signatures collected would account for something like a third of the total number of active voters inside of the whole of the City of Atlanta and over 30,000 more than the total number of people who voted in the last runoff election in Atlanta.
I assume Dickens does not have plans to run for Mayor again or is delusional in the way that some politicians are.
posted by paimapi at 8:01 AM on September 12, 2023 [4 favorites]
Andre's office appears to have issued a directive to not verify the petitions (which are still subjected to signature matching) until the appeal on petition requirements is settled. Comments by one of the lawyers representing the ballot measure initiative.
Regardless, since the petition requires signers to be 1) registered to vote in 2020 for the last Mayoral election and 2) a CoA resident, the 116,000 signatures collected would account for something like a third of the total number of active voters inside of the whole of the City of Atlanta and over 30,000 more than the total number of people who voted in the last runoff election in Atlanta.
I assume Dickens does not have plans to run for Mayor again or is delusional in the way that some politicians are.
posted by paimapi at 8:01 AM on September 12, 2023 [4 favorites]
I am so confused about why Bakhtiari and Norwood would be pushing for this
Probably just responding to residents in East Atlanta, especially around EAV. Having formerly lived in L5P, I know there was constant tension between that area and the surrounding neighborhoods of Inman and Chandler Park to simultaneously preserve the businesses and character of area, while also not having to deal with the noise and oft raucous behavior.
No doubt the ordnance has nothing to do with Cop City, other than it is part of general milieu of liberal politicians wanting to appear tough on crime in order to 1) stave off a more conservative challenger and 2) lacking the insight and/or tools to implement more effective policies.
posted by Panjandrum at 9:19 AM on September 12, 2023
Probably just responding to residents in East Atlanta, especially around EAV. Having formerly lived in L5P, I know there was constant tension between that area and the surrounding neighborhoods of Inman and Chandler Park to simultaneously preserve the businesses and character of area, while also not having to deal with the noise and oft raucous behavior.
No doubt the ordnance has nothing to do with Cop City, other than it is part of general milieu of liberal politicians wanting to appear tough on crime in order to 1) stave off a more conservative challenger and 2) lacking the insight and/or tools to implement more effective policies.
posted by Panjandrum at 9:19 AM on September 12, 2023
EAV's gentrification is a real problem and it's been happening consistently and linearly for the past two decades. The neighborhood groups are currently full of people complaining about how the retail district is 'full of drug users' and how it makes certain people feel 'scared and endangered' which to me and everyone else who have ever organized or sat through trainings in white privilege, community building, and so on - all of that is just code for seeing unhoused and also Black folks in public which in turn is sometimes just code for wanting higher property value increases YoY.
These people are also unfortunately the ones with the most time and ability to participate in our NPU meetings and attend city council meetings. These are business owners 'threatening to pull out of the village', landlords and corporate reps who either set their own hours or hire people to sit in on these meetings, or generally folks with the power within their orgs to set their own hours and thus are capable of attending these meetings that occur during the day.
Like voting, which is dominated by the older generation of people who are largely retired with ballot locations sometimes hosted literally in a senior living center, it's a matter of access and representation rooted in privilege. That's the way it's always been - those with moneyed interests and capital will always have more sway in a conversation in a society arranged like this.
Also re: Norwood - she's conservative, always has been, and represents the old money business interests of Buckhead, notoriously where most of the pro-segregation / anti-Civil Rights white elites live and work. The Buckhead Cityhood movement, for eg, was spearheaded by someone who also did a lot of anti-desegregation lobbying back in the 70s and 80s. That she does evil in the world is not a surprise.
That Liliana, who represents a neighborhood where landlords are frequently roasted for their rent pricing in social media groups and which plays host to the 'grungier' crowd at night and a vibrant queer scene at Mary's (themselves not openly non-binary but openly polyamorous and queer), their ordinance was uncharacteristic.
Fuck Mary Norwood though.
posted by paimapi at 10:26 AM on September 12, 2023
These people are also unfortunately the ones with the most time and ability to participate in our NPU meetings and attend city council meetings. These are business owners 'threatening to pull out of the village', landlords and corporate reps who either set their own hours or hire people to sit in on these meetings, or generally folks with the power within their orgs to set their own hours and thus are capable of attending these meetings that occur during the day.
Like voting, which is dominated by the older generation of people who are largely retired with ballot locations sometimes hosted literally in a senior living center, it's a matter of access and representation rooted in privilege. That's the way it's always been - those with moneyed interests and capital will always have more sway in a conversation in a society arranged like this.
Also re: Norwood - she's conservative, always has been, and represents the old money business interests of Buckhead, notoriously where most of the pro-segregation / anti-Civil Rights white elites live and work. The Buckhead Cityhood movement, for eg, was spearheaded by someone who also did a lot of anti-desegregation lobbying back in the 70s and 80s. That she does evil in the world is not a surprise.
That Liliana, who represents a neighborhood where landlords are frequently roasted for their rent pricing in social media groups and which plays host to the 'grungier' crowd at night and a vibrant queer scene at Mary's (themselves not openly non-binary but openly polyamorous and queer), their ordinance was uncharacteristic.
Fuck Mary Norwood though.
posted by paimapi at 10:26 AM on September 12, 2023
Sorry yes absolutely fuck Mary Norwood. It was just weird to see Bakhtiari's name next to hers like they have anything in common.
posted by hydropsyche at 3:02 PM on September 12, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by hydropsyche at 3:02 PM on September 12, 2023 [1 favorite]
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I'll read the full indictment later. I finally scrolled past all the signature pages and got to the paragraph that started with "defining" anarchism, and noped out for a bit.
posted by hippybear at 10:40 AM on September 5, 2023 [6 favorites]