In 2021, the City of Atlanta announced that it was entering into a partnership with the Atlanta Police Foundation to destroy the South River Forest and build what became known as “Cop City,” a large facility for the training of police officers. This met with massive public outcry from those outraged by the destruction of the environment and an important historical site (a former prison farm), and the purpose to which the land was to be put—to train police in urban warfare techniques and by extension feed the prison-industrial complex. Activists also pointed to its connection to the Georgia International Law Enforcement Exchange, which partners with Israel. Protesters occupied the land and carried out a number of direct actions.
In August 2023 the Georgia Attorney General incited 61 people on a sweeping RICO charge, as well as charges of domestic terrorism, and others. In January, a judge threw out all the RICO charges; the state is appealing.
Today I am honored to speak with two #StopCopCity activists—both participated in the #Imaginary Crimes Tour, which visited more than 40 cities in the US to publicize the case; one is named in the indictment. We hear their stories of how and why they became involved in #StopCopCity, what transpired during those events and during the trial, and how it has deepened their commitment to activism. We hear especially about how ordinary people find themselves transformed into activists of conscience, and how they are working in solidarity with many other groups.
To keep up to date, please check out this Linktree and join the Signal chat below:
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