Cop City case could trigger more charges against US protesters, attorney says

"The state of Georgia has appealed a judge's dismissal of criminal conspiracy charges against 61 people tied to opposition against the Atlanta police training center known as Cop City, prolonging a high-profile case with implications for criminal conspiracy and domestic terrorism prosecutions of movements elsewhere. With the appeal, the largest case in US history using a racketeering or Rico law against a protest or social movement is now likely to drag on for months, if not years."

"In addition to the state's appeal, Francis Carroll, one of the dozens of defendants, filed a petition to Georgia's supreme court, asking the top court to consider a motion asserting that domestic terrorism charges forming part of the case violate the state's constitution, as they are overly broad and vague. The motion also asserts that Georgia's domestic terrorism law was passed in an unconstitutional manner."

"If the state court of appeals doesn't grant attorney general Chris Carr a reversal of the trial court's dismissal, the entire case may fall apart. The same is true if the supreme court takes up Carroll's claim and rules in favor of the defendant. Prosecutors across the country are going to be watching, said Michael Schwartz, an attorney for Carroll. If the state's domestic terrorism statute is ruled unconstitutional, for example, prosecutors elsewhere will be less likely to initiate prosecutions in the same mold, he said."

Georgia has appealed a judge's dismissal of criminal conspiracy charges against 61 people tied to opposition to the Atlanta police training center known as Cop City. The appeal keeps alive the largest US case using racketeering or RICO against a protest or social movement and could extend for months or years. RICO was created to go after the mafia and is closely associated with fighting organized crime. Francis Carroll filed a petition to Georgia's supreme court arguing that domestic terrorism charges are overly broad, vague, and that the domestic terrorism law was passed unconstitutionally. Prosecutors and lawmakers nationwide are watching for precedent.

Read at www.theguardian.com