'Now you're a terrorist': Atlanta's Cop City crackdown | Fault Lines Documentary

A decentralized movement of environmental and social justice activists in Atlanta is trying to stop the construction of “Cop City,” a $90 million police training complex in one of the city’s last remaining forests. But authorities in Georgia are characterising the movement as an extremist organisation, and have launched an unprecedented crackdown.
Dozens of protesters are now facing decades in prison for racketeering and domestic terrorism charges. Civil rights experts warn that successful convictions would give police and prosecutors a new playbook that criminalizes political association and treats property destruction as terrorism.
Producer: Mark Scialla
Correspondent: Sharif Abdel Kouddous
Director of Photography: Joel Van Haren
Editor: Warwick Meade
Executive Producer: Laila Al-Arian
Production Manager: Anabelle Rojas
Senior Producer and Fact-checker: Kavitha Chekuru
Sound Mix: Linus Bergman
Digital Producer: Riham Mansour
Special thanks: Anna Kook
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#CopCity #Atlanta #Documentary #Environment #PoliceBrutality #Georgia
#Police #Cops
@AljazeeraEnglish
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#News

[@aljazeeraenglish]

Thank you for tuning in. Share your thoughts with us in the comments below. If you'd like to watch more documentaries from Fault Lines, find them here: kzbin.info/aero/PLzGHKb8i9vTwPC3FzLd-hd0-NvzEvH2rD Connect with Fault Lines: ‣ Twitter: twitter.com/AJFaultLines ‣ Facebook: facebook.com/AJFaultLines ‣ Instagram: instagram.com/AJFaultLines

[@acer0255]

AlJazeera Inform the people of 18 USC 2331(b) the police are the terrorists under this. Of course there's still 18 USC 241 and 242

[@acer0255]

The police would blow things up themselves and blame it on the the people. "Agent Provocateur"

[@madpatriot4608]

Our government have gotten used too using the word terrorists,anytime our citizens opposed their actions,violating our constitutional right to assemble and protest

[@mattjack3983]

Right. Like labeling the concerned parents at school board meetings terrorists for not wanting their children exposed to sexually explicit content and LGBTQ propaganda by teachers.

[@nah7140]

@@mattjack3983partisanism has rotted peoples brains. We need to wake up before it’s too late. Look at Israel, it’s awful

[@raycar9827]

Except the actual terrorists, white supremacists, are being protected by the government.

[@Clippidyclappidy]

⁠@@mattjack3983Uh, nobody is calling them terrorists. Just idiots.

[@andrew_owens7680]

Since the Patriot Act made terrorist a designation that is beyond any bonderies of the law, we live in a dictatorship.

[@simonewilliams3882]

The obsession of this country to crack down once a problem bubbles to the surface instead of creating environments where crime doesn't have to breed by pouring into social services and bettering the lives of humans is crazy. How is it that so many people voted against Cop City and still they move forward? It's like voting doesn't matter and only money does. That is why they want to further the divide between the 1% and the rest of humanity.

[@caro1606]

We gotta rise up as people on a massive scale, it’s the only way

[@helpfixstupid6190]

It’s a training facility for police, emt, fire and social services. Offices, classrooms, yes, a shooting range. And it’s on an old landfill that was also a prison, owned by the county

[@isaacseo5280]

Plain and simple, it's fascism.

[@The_Mighty_Red]

"trespassing" on public land

[@julieproctor6039]

Not terrorists, not terrorism. Stop the criminalization of political affiliation.

[@LtCaveman]

Stop being a terrorist.

[@thrillville420]

that was an execution. that many shots isn't in self defense. cops should have body cams on at all times.

[@i_love_games110]

you think all of the shots came from one officer? are you stupid? the cops in the shooting also had no body cams as the department didn't have the funding

[@julieproctor6039]

The money should be spent on unfortunate people AND police training that assists citizens instead of themselves. Police didn't help the kids in Uvalde, but themselves.

[@LtCaveman]

This has NOTHING to do with Uvalde, that's on the other side of the country! Learn geography, communist.

[@i_love_games110]

look up what the training center is for, it trains all emergency services, including ems and fd that assist civilians also ironic that you don't support a training center being built but also advocate for police training

[@Clippidyclappidy]

@@i_love_games110They already have training facilities, they don’t need to spend tens of millions of tax payer dollars just so they can test their new toys that they will likely never actually use.

[@i_love_games110]

@@Clippidyclappidy you know the center is mainly for ems and fire, right? the only things really even related to police in there are a shooting range and some buildings to practice clearing rooms

[@Shieldsofshame]

July 2024 all state certified officers in Georgia will have to wear a body cam. HB18. The state patrol does not wear body cams right now and getting records from them is extremely difficult. They are NOT transparent. I profiled a LOT of cops from Atlanta, none of them have been charged with domestic terrorism even they one of them followed a female from the mall to her house, others beat a man in the woods, and I have more but again, none of them were charged with domestic terrorism!! Understand what I am saying here.. they have to justify shooting a man 58 times because there is no reason to shoot someone that many times, THAT is domestic terrorism. Vote Chris Carr OUT in 2024. He is a dangerous politician for Georgians. I have proven it over and over again, he is unfit for office. He sits around and daydreams about how he can charge me with crimes because he hates free speech transparency and accountability.

[@The_Mighty_Red]

GBI is complicit - blood on their hands

[@Rachelshmachel63]

Oh GBI. Corrupt as they come

[@socialanarchy081]

Rich people need to feel safe, and they're willing to do ANYTHING to make that happen. Stop serving the people trying to destroy you.

[@happysheher]

This is the United States, we should have the option to protest

[@survivormary1126]

This is clearly a training ground for militarizing the Police. The most egregious part is what that 90 million could do to improve the lives of people in Atlanta, going a long way to stop crime born out of Poverty.

[@raycar9827]

It goes with Trump's and the FBI's plan to turn America full white supremacists fascist.

[@grayscar05]

That's not true. No proof of that. And what about the dangerous criminals in the city? Nobody from "stop cop city" is talking about that b/c they so high out of their freaking minds they live in a fantasy land where crime isn't a problem. Organized crime in Atlanta has skyrocketed.

[@nataleroger]

Every Activist should sue the city!

[@Trump2024FJB]

But they don’t live in the city so why do they care

[@nunnaurbiznez8815]

No freedom in the home of the free and no bravery from those who should be protecting those who struggle. My country is making me sad and embarrassed. We can do so much better.

[@Shining237]

I've heard too many disturbing things come from Cop City.

[@michaelhurst6167]

You sure don't see this on primetime tv in America. Excellent show!!!

[@thomasgarrett3397]

Own the courts and you make the law and order???

[@lisadolan689]

This is a perfect example of why the rest of the world pity’s the US. Things like this and the orange 🍊 man. And school kids massacring other kids, at school. This is why we (the rest of humanity) are in constant shock about what is happening there. 😐

[@LittleBoats-lz8sm]

The victims gun was either fired by the victim or police as there were 4 shell casings found at the scene belonging to that gun & the officer hit was hit by bullets matching that gun ?

[@mule1995]

1312 if we get no justice, they get NO Peace! “Nulla Justitia Non-Pax” "If you want justice, go to a cathouse, if you wanna get screwed, go to a courthouse." - Richard Gere

[@Mike-B.]

At 10:30: ...like Wells Fargo, ATT, and Delta Airlines -- Corporate Power

[@isaacseo5280]

Plain and simple, it's fascism

[@eh3477]

AJE: Wells Fargo, ATT, and Delta can be donors to the Police nonprofit. Please clarify what you mean by they are "overseeing" the nonprofit. 12:00 There are many questions surrounding this powerful corporate/Police nonprofit group, and they should be investigated further,

[@mattjack3983]

What about the gun that they just glossed over breifly and didnt come back around to talk about after mentioning it the one time?

[@bradh.2854]

No gun power on their hands, coroner's report was that they were seated with their hands up in the air when they were shot.

[@badger1296]

​​@@bradh.2854 True, but there should be a report on if the pistol was recently fired or if they found its shell casings. Neither cops nor investigators bothered mentioning/asking about any other evidence that proves or vindicate either party. Unfortunately, the defense cannot control the "investigation" of said actions by police.

[@The_Mighty_Red]

la lucha sigue

[@i_love_games110]

you know it trains ems and fire department right

[@gregorythornton1664]

The only way to get information is through discovery of a lawsuit.

[@happysheher]

How do I get all their info to get them all letters

[@Joshtera]

It’s really sad tbh

[@Manas999_9]

Thank you.

[@MrChiki1911]

So many fake profiles comments..

[@Trump2024FJB]

So many people who don’t live here so why do they care

[@sunflowermahea225]

He was a good boy

[@comradeohio]

Vive Tortuguita. Stop Cop City.

[@dezzyd1]

The forest protestors would not have come if Walmart was building a new distribution center in that area. This is all about not wanting a police training facility. From a commonsense standpoint, the guy from Peru was obviously arrested both in the forest, first and then a second time at the music festival after the assault on police. He is more involved than what this reporter would have you believe. The girl facing prison time for "sleeping in a tent in the woods" fails to mention that she knew what she was doing was illegal but still traveled from across the country to join a group of criminals breaking the law to serve their own agenda. This was a well-prepared presentation but was completely one sided. Al Jazeera operates like many one sided "news" organizations in America. Journalism is dead.

[@judykinsman3258]

Time is moving forward while we are moving backward. I’m glad I’m old so I won’t see when the end comes to this country’s mission to form a more perfect union.

[@fadingfrost2617]

Same thoughts have come to my mind, but I'm only in my 40s. Scary times. Scarier still is so many of the general public believe the lies and don't care enough to look at anything else but that which reaffirms their mindset.

[@AntonioGarmsci-cy5vt]

That "mission" was always a lie! "We the Elites" By Robert Ovetz.

[@FahadFSA]

Time to fire up those Afghani drones!

[@JjkJjk-or9kc]

Afghanistan doesn't have drones lmao also they are not religious radicals so no

[@happysheher]

I find this content terrifying

[@ebonyrose2039]

see also: The 10 Stages of Genocide

[@thenathanimal2909]

Jesus crip walking Christ, the propoganda is peak lol

[@LtCaveman]

Exactly, the communist terrorist propaganda.

[@giveaf9370]

Great work. Hope results are satisfactory for all those concerned. Love from New Zealand.

[@aljazeeraenglish]

Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts with us.

[@elreyvago6369]

"Anti- Business"

[@tanchauee1165]

Because you touch others benefits...

[@maryiced3931]

Sara will have a nice big lawsuit settlement coming her way.

[@normantessier3379]

All the more reason to keep your Guns.

[@thomasgarrett3397]

RWDS????

[@GEVINCHYGAMEZ]

THE REAL CITY !

[@CreamOfYheat]

Awe poor money.

[@matthewcunningham5069]

ACAB frfr..

[@LtCaveman]

Then call an Antifa member when your car gets stolen. What's that? Your insurance wants a police report? Guess you can't do that huh?

[@Hokua888]

Yea. … 🦉

[@Michael-fl1tm]

Lol they say, I expected no less

[@comrade4792]

Vive Tortuguita! Stop Cop City! Drop All Charges! Save Weelaunee!

[@miami410]

A pacifist with a gun, that's a first.

[@mattjack3983]

Yeah, I thought that too. They never came back around to that gun after very briefly mentioning it the one time.

[@Clippidyclappidy]

You realize cops plant evidence and lie all the time, right?

[@Clippidyclappidy]

@@mattjack3983Just like police did.

[@ShinyQuetzalcoatl]

LAND BACK 🪶

[@hb2495]

doing this wont bring your land back only actual political work with natives will do that in a democratic society

[@tracyshoemake9686]

These are the children of rich people looking for adventure,get a JOB and find out what life is about.Slugs

[@Trump2024FJB]

Don’t come into OUR CITY and try to stop what OUR people voted for!

[@NorthMellen]

boring.

[@Trump2024FJB]

Only criminals are scared of cop CITY 😆

[@laurasalo6160]

We warned you about calling protesters on the Right "domestic terrorists" and you didnt care. Suddenly, now that its happening to you, it's overreach. You never learn.

[@Jackjack-kr1cz]

january 6th is incomparable to what’s going on in ATL

[@laurasalo6160]

@@Jackjack-kr1cz No i dont mean to compare them per se (although, arguably, they could be compared as domestic political groups with persons who commit violence, outside of what would be considered acceptable behavior by the group itself- there's always a few crazies willing to get violent) i only mean they're identifying certain groups of americans as domestic terrorists. They are so defined by those who happen to have the momentary power to define them as such (their political opposition). Imo

[@user-gg7di3ti2y]

Wouldn't it be better to build that in the ghetto? Wouldn't need to cut down the forest. And what better area to have a cop training facility? 😅 Seriously. And it'd bring money to the impoverished area.

[@franzjoseph1837]

How is a cop training facility going to bring "money to the area" it runs off tax dollars. Which means the citzens are paying for their own occupation by a usually racist and violent force. Wouldn't their money be better spent on cleaning streets, improving their infrastructure and institutiond that educate or support, and job creation across multiple professions?

[@Rachelshmachel63]

Um your a little misguided

[@Rachelshmachel63]

I guess you don’t take walks in the forest or need air to breathe lol

[@Clippidyclappidy]

Are you that delusional and detached from reality that you think cops bring in money for the city?

[@matthewhunter9588]

I moved to Atlanta 2 years ago and I still don't understand this movement. I think the cops killed that kid and they deserve to know the answers. Other than that.......take yo butt back to PA or wherever you're from. Like who is funding these people? Are they just homeless people walking across country stopping projects like this? Like what is this, really? lol

[@maryiced3931]

The fact that the police response is so over the top means something else is going to on and they will do anything to keep it from being stopped.

[@mattjack3983]

That's what I'm saying. It's strange. And they pretty quickly glossed right over the part where the guy did indeed have a gun in his possession that was registered to him. They say that he was a pacifist, but I've never known an actual pacifist to carry a gun.

[@matthewhunter9588]

@@maryiced3931 If they had to stop something every time people complained then nothing would ever get done. Chic fil a wouldn't exist if they had to stop every time people came out to protest them lol

[@SCHRODINGERS_WHORE]

​@@mattjack39832nd amendment. This is America

[@i_love_games110]

​@@maryiced3931police responses are always over-the-top, that's how they prevent officer deaths

[@stevenmcgillivray9283]

Cop City is a reality, and the Law Abiding are content. It's time to move forward.

[@Rachelshmachel63]

How do you suggest to move forward ?..

[@SCHRODINGERS_WHORE]

Disgusting boot licker

[@Michael-fl1tm]

So says the sheep

[@shirleyaspinall1743]

Laws only apply to poor people. The wealthy are far less “Law Abiding” yet, they can just pay their way out. You have been brainwashed to think there is a certain model of “Law Abiding Citizen” in your head.

[@andrewwaters1302]

Return to being a barista?

[@frankbandera6591]

What uninformed American reporter did this? America has a history of not labeling leftist terrorism as terrorism. For example, take this New York Times puff piece/interview with a unrepentant leftist domestic terrorist that was published on 9/11/2001 titled, "No Regrets for a Love Of Explosives; In a Memoir of Sorts, a War Protester Talks of Life With the Weathermen" You have no idea how hilarious it starts out for something published on 9/11/01 in New York City.

[@matthewcunningham5069]

Honestly, that’s not the problem in America at all, despite your cute anecdote. The problem with America is how the media hides the full on fascism of half of its conservatives, and 75% of its Security State. But you won’t listen to me and probably didn’t bother watching the piece here you’ve just commented on.

[@AntonioGarmsci-cy5vt]

9/11 was an inside job!!!

[@Rachelshmachel63]

First of all your watching Al Jazeera so there ain’t no American reporter, second no American news outlet would dare report on this I’m heading to Qatar just to give them some money direct from me thank god we still have Al Jazeera but they will shut this down when they get a chance

[@Clippidyclappidy]

History REALLY isn’t your strong suit is it? The literal guy you are raving about, Bill Ayers was labeled a domestic terrorist by the FBI. Only reason he didn’t go to prison was because the FBI couldn’t stop committing crimes trying to catch him. Either way he was in the right. He didn’t hurt anyone and just damaged buildings. Which is more than the US could say to their war crimes in Vietnam.

[@alexh1111]

thank you for reporting this!! 🫶

[@ak9989]

And a DISTRICT ATTORNEY files CHARGES not the cops!!! He decided what to charge!!! Stupid journalists.

[@ak9989]

Silly immature people! I live in the Sierras and forest gets cut everywhere to build new homes and even new casinos! These people have no case! It's not their property and you have no property rights to government owned property.

[@masseiy]

We have an ecological crisis. The last we need is deforestation

[@matthewcunningham5069]

It’s not silly to be against a fascistic police state built for exacerbating oligarchy. You’re silly.

[@ho11owbone]

this mentality is part of the problem...

[@ho11owbone]

you have no idea how privileged you are to live in the sierras. you have forest and mountains in your backyard, so why should you care if the public is being deprived of natural resources.? you live in your own little sheltered comfort zone, but most people dont have that luxury, most communities dont have any green spaces left. I guess youre just so far removed from the problem you dont see how it effects communities across america.

[@elishamier9095]

Get the f out of sierra hypocrite

[@joepbiden2708]

Go back to Panama

[@genossinwaabooz4373]

Go back to sleep.