Several Cop City activists have been arrested and charged with domestic terrorism—something that has long been a legal and rhetorical weapon of state power.
by Eric Laursen, In These Times
Last month, Georgia police assassinated environmental activist Manuel Esteban Paez “Tortuguita” Terán, who was defending Atlanta’s Weelaunee forest from the construction of a large police training facility, known by opponents as “Cop City.” During the same raid, seven of Tortuguita’s fellow activists were arrested and charged with domestic terrorism. If they are convicted, they will receive mandatory minimum sentences of 5 to 35 years in prison.
Reporting for In These Times over two decades ago, journalist Eric Laursen described how the U.S. government used terrorism charges to suppress environmental protests. His subject, Long Island activist Connor Cash, was eventually acquitted in 2004.
As people continue to mourn Tortuguita with vigils and protests, this piece reminds us that, while their death is shocking, government intimidation is nothing new, and domestic terrorism charges have long been a legal and rhetorical weapon of state power.
Recent Posts
DNC Chair Ken Martin’s Broken Promises Haunt his Tenure and the Party
Take Action Now Martin ran for chair on a platform that emphasized his commitment to transparency and to getting big money out of Democratic Party…
Apologies to All The People in Lebanon
Take Action Now It bears thinking that the world needs to apologize to Lebanon and to Palestine as the genocide by Israel grinds on from Gaza City to…
Top Democrats Make Momentum Behind Trump Impeachment Screech to a Halt
Take Action Now Rather than calling for impeachment, Schumer criticized Trump for what he said was worsening Iran’s “nuclear ambition.”By Sharon…
A Citizen’s Impeachment Movement Underway Can Restore Our Republic and Its Constitution
Take Action Now Chronically lying Tyrant Trump is an open, clear, and present danger to our Republic. He is driven by a fact-deprived, perilous,…