A judge in DeKalb County, Georgia, has dismissed domestic terrorism charges against Jamie Marsicano, a protester linked to the ‘Cop City’ police training centre. Superior Court Judge Gregory Adams ruled on Thursday that the state’s delays violated Marsicano’s due process and constitutional right to a speedy trial.
Marsicano was arrested at a music festival two and a half years ago and charged in connection with vandalism at the construction site of the $109m centre, which opened this spring. The judge noted that the state had failed to issue an indictment, causing personal and professional harm, including preventing Marsicano from obtaining a law licence despite passing the bar exam.
Attorney Xavier de Janon said the ruling confirms that the state delayed intentionally, calling it a ‘process is the punishment’ tactic. The dismissal is the second time charges have been dropped in the three-year prosecution of protesters opposing the centre, which critics say promotes police militarisation and deforestation.
Marsicano also faces racketeering charges in neighbouring Fulton County, part of a large Rico case against 61 defendants. Judge Adams criticised Deputy Attorney General John Fowler for using the DeKalb charges to gain a tactical advantage, while Fowler cited 14 terabytes of evidence as a reason for delays.
