Mass Arraignment of 'Militant Anarchists': 57 Indicted Protesters Show Up in Court Amidst Controversial Racketeering Charges

Nearly five dozen people who were indicted on racketeering charges in connection to protests against a planned police and firefighter training facility in Atlanta appeared in court on Monday for their arraignment. The Georgia Attorney General, Chris Carr, obtained a sweeping indictment in August using the state's anti-racketeering law, describing the protesters as militant anarchists. Supporters of the indicted individuals rallied outside the courthouse during the proceedings. Of the 61 individuals indicted, 57 appeared in court for their arraignment. Each individual waived the arraignment process.

Four defendants did not appear; one was believed to be in France, one was in federal immigration custody, another attempted to enter the country but was denied, and the fourth simply did not show up. During the arraignment, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Kimberly Esmond Adams informed the defendants that they had until 10 am the following day to turn themselves in. Failure to do so could result in the issuance of arrest warrants and the rescindment of any bond. Defense attorneys were instructed to provide hard drives to the attorney general's office by Friday for evidence sharing.

A final plea hearing will be set no later than the end of June, according to Judge Adams. Support for the Stop Cop City movement was visible outside the courthouse as hundreds of protesters rallied, expressing concern about police militarization and environmental damage in the area. The proposed training facility, known as Cop City, has faced opposition for over two years. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and other supporters argue that the facility would address inadequate training facilities and challenges in hiring and retaining police officers. However, opponents fear the potential exacerbation of police militarization and environmental damage in a predominantly Black and economically disadvantaged area.

Protests intensified after the fatal shooting of a 26-year-old protester, Manuel Esteban Paez Teran, in January. Prosecutors announced last month that they would not pursue charges against the state troopers involved in the shooting. The individuals indicted in August were previously charged in connection to their alleged involvement in the movement. The racketeering charges, known as RICO charges, carry a potential sentence of five to 20 years in prison, in addition to penalties for underlying acts.

The indictment includes numerous underlying crimes, such as possession of fire accelerant, throwing Molotov cocktails at police officers, and alleged money laundering. The arraignment process concluded over a three-hour period, with most defendants yet to surrender at the Fulton County Jail. Some had already reached agreements with prosecutors on bail conditions, while others were still undergoing the process. Judge Adams emphasized the importance of reaching a plea agreement with prosecutors before the end of June.