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Hello John,

BREAKING: On Wednesday, May 31, the Atlanta Police Department raided a
home and arrested three leaders of the Atlanta Solidarity Fund, an
organization that has been bailing out and organizing legal funds for
protesters opposing the construction of “Cop City.” The three organizers
have been charged with money laundering and charity fraud. This is an
unprecedented assault on the criminal justice reform movement.

Here’s the thing, John. We know this is an underhanded effort
to undermine the tireless efforts of community activists and DeKalb County
residents who remain vehemently opposed to the building of the massive
multimillion-dollar police training facility known as “Cop City.” 

[ [link removed] ]That’s why we’re calling on DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry
Boston to intervene. She has the power to put an end to the
criminalization of opponents of the project by dropping ALL charges
against the Atlanta Solidarity Fund Three and all "Cop City" protesters.

MAKE A CALL: TELL DA SHERRY BOSTON TO DROP THE CHARGES

This isn't just a threat to the Atlanta Solidarity Fund, John.
This is very intentional and sends a chilling message to all bail funds,
abortion funds and other organized material support for those criminalized
by the government.

This is an extreme overreach by the Atlanta Police Department and the
Georgia Bureau of Investigations.  The Atlanta Solidarity Fund has
provided support to demonstrators exercising their First Amendment right
to protest. That support includes critical legal defense; jail support to
ensure those in police custody have their rights protected during the
legal process; and cash bail assistance to those who are unable to pay the
unconscionable bonds set by the courts in Atlanta and the metro area.

[ [link removed] ]Arresting and charging these organizers is an intentional effort to
disrupt systems of support for the dozens of “Cop City” protesters
currently locked up and charged with domestic terrorism.

Call to STOP UNNECESSARY PROSECUTIONS

Thousands of DeKalb County residents and people across the country have
gathered in opposition to the Atlanta Police Foundation’s plans for “Cop
City.” Yet public officials continue to blatantly disregard their voices
and their safety. This is not a new police tactic. During the 2020
uprisings, we saw police officers charge hundreds of protesters for
trivial offenses in efforts to quash local demonstrations.^1 DA Sherry
Boston can take a stand and protect the people of metro Atlanta, but she
has remained silent as several “Cop City” protesters have spent months
behind bars. We need your help to ensure DA Boston doesn’t ignore this
issue.

John, you’re receiving this message because we know you care
about freeing “Cop City” protesters.  You signed the petition and now we
need you to take your support a step further. Can we count on you? 

[ [link removed] ]We need you to hold DA Sherry Boston accountable to the needs of our
communities by demanding that everyone charged for being an opponent or
protesting against the project can walk free to return home and rejoin
their loved ones. We must act NOW.

Make a call now. it takes five minutes

Until Justice Is Real, 

Color Of Change Policy & Government Affairs Team

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References:

 1. Sabrina Schnur, “Court Cases Dropped against Police Brutality
Protesters in Las Vegas,” Journal (Las Vegas Review-Journal, June 4,
2021),
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