Dozens Face Court in Georgia over Racketeering Charges Linked to 'Stop Cop City' Protests

57 of the 61 indicted protesters linked to the 'Stop Cop City' movement appear in court, facing charges such as domestic terrorism, money laundering, and felony intimidation; four others fail to appear due to various reasons including immigration issues and being out of the country.

The court appearance of 57 protesters linked to the 'Stop Cop City' movement in Atlanta was met with the rallying of hundreds of their supporters outside the courthouse.
The protesters, now defendants, are indicted on charges such as domestic terrorism, money laundering, and felony intimidation, related to their opposition against a planned police and firefighter training facility, dubbed 'Cop City'.
Of the 61 people indicted, four failed to appear in court due to various reasons including one being in federal immigration custody, two others being denied entry to the country, and one simply not showing up.
Some defendants had not yet surrendered at the Fulton County Jail to be booked on their charges, with Judge Kimberly Esmond Adams warning that arrest warrants could be issued and any bond could be rescinded if they fail to do so within 24 hours from the start of the arraignment proceedings.
Amid these developments, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and other supporters argue that the $90 million, 85-acre facility would replace inadequate training facilities, assist in hiring and retaining police officers, yet opponents cite concerns about potential police militarization and environmental damage due to its construction.