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
Is A Citizens United 2.0 Right Around The Corner?
July 15, 2025
Take Action Now Is it possible for American democracy to be further degraded by the influence of billionaires? Thanks to champion of the working…
U.S. Leaders Gave Up On Diplomacy With Iran. We Must Make Them Return To It.
July 15, 2025
Take Action Now Building an antiwar movement means preventing the systemic U.S. aggression that creates the conditions for war.By Hanieh Jodat,…
What To Do When You See ICE In Your Neighborhood
July 14, 2025
Take Action Now How can you deter the Trump administration’s immigrant deportation machine when it pops up in your community? Follow these…
ICE Campaign Of Violence Will Lead To More Deaths
July 14, 2025
Take Action Now Jaime Alanis’s death shows the horrific consequences of a secret police force behaving with utter impunity.By Natasha Lennard, The…