United States: Priscilla Grim Faces RICO and Terror Charges for Cop City Protest in Atlanta
The Coalition For Women In Journalism stands with Priscilla Grim against the rising criminalization of protest
Location: United States, Atlanta
Date: August 8, 2023
Priscilla Grim, a 49-year-old mother from Brooklyn, is facing RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) charges along with 60 other activists for participating in protests in Atlanta. The charges are traditionally used against mob bosses and are now infamously linked to figures like former President Donald Trump and rapper Young Thug. The Coalition For Women In Journalism stands in solidarity with Priscilla Grim. Grim's case is not just an isolated legal battle but emblematic of the broader systemic issues affecting activists and journalists who dare to raise their voices for social justice and environmental conservation. The use of RICO charges against Grim, traditionally applied in the context of organized crime, signals a dangerous escalation in the criminalization of protest and free speech.
“I came to Atlanta to blog the Cop City Week of Action. The second day I was there, I was arrested, charged with domestic terrorism, not given a bond, and entered into Dekalb County Jail,” says Priscilla Grim. The 49-year-old Brooklyn native stands at the center of a controversial legal battle following her participation in protests against the proposed construction of a police training facility in Atlanta known as "Cop City." Grim's involvement in these protests has resulted in her facing serious charges under the RICO Act, akin to those levied against former President Donald Trump, as well as accusations of domestic terrorism.
Post-arrest, Grim lost her job, her Airbnb account, and her bank account was closed by Chase.
The recent indictment issued by Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr has ensnared 61 activists, including Grim. These charges stem from actions such as wearing black clothing, distributing flyers, and using social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to organize and express anti-authoritarian sentiments. The indictment also cites instances of vandalism and alleged arson by protesters, labeling activities like mutual aid and environmental protection as anarchic and terroristic.
“Either everyone's a terrorist or no one's a terrorist. They have completely obliterated, in my mind, the actual definition of what the word terrorism is,” Grim told VICE News.
Cop City Protests
In 2021, despite significant pushback, the Atlanta City Council approved the controversial training center “Cop City,” now estimated to cost $67 million, more than double the initially projected $30 million. Ensuing protests have grown, attracting thousands, including Grim. However, the response from law enforcement has been severe, with dozens arrested and, in a tragic turn, the fatal police shooting of activist Manuel Esteban Páez Turan, known as Tortuguita.
Detained at a music festival near the construction site, Grim recounts the police strategy of separating locals from out-of-towners, a tactic she believes was designed to intimidate and discourage future participation in protests.
Grim's activism led to her arrest and a traumatic stint in the DeKalb County Jail, where she witnessed and endured appalling conditions. She described a lack of basic amenities and humane treatment in the jail, including instances of neglect and derision by the guards towards inmates in distress.
The trauma of her incarceration has had a lasting impact. Despite her release and return to New York, Grim struggles with the psychological aftermath, a struggle she refers to as dealing with "Jail Priscilla." The experience has fundamentally altered her perspective and choices in life.
Now, Grim is preparing for a significant legal battle over her RICO charges, which carry a potential sentence of 20 years in prison.
“The anxiety that I have is if I get locked up, I will not be able to be a parent anymore”
“The anxiety that I have is if I get locked up, I will not be able to be a parent anymore,” Grim says.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism stands in solidarity with Priscilla Grim. The use of RICO charges, typically reserved for organized crime, against civic activists like Grim represents a dangerous escalation in the criminalization of protest and free speech. The indictment's basis on actions such as wearing black clothing and distributing flyers sets a concerning precedent for the freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly. Grim's harrowing experience in pretrial detention, where she faced inhumane conditions, is a stark reminder of the personal costs of standing up against systemic injustices. The implications of Grim's case extend beyond her individual struggle; they highlight the vulnerability of women activists and journalists who confront power structures. In a country grappling with critical issues like police brutality, environmental racism, and the right to dissent, Grim's case serves as a litmus test for the state of civil liberties and press freedom. We call on the prosecutor’s office to drop the changes immediately.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
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