Honor the Day of the Forest Defender

On January 18, we come together to remember Manuel Esteban “Tortuguita” Paez Terán, a dedicated forest defender tragically murdered by police during the “Cop City” protests. Tortuguita’s death continues to the ongoing battle against the militarization of police forces and the destruction of communities for profit. Tortuguita’s memory lives on in the 61 defenders who were recently released from their RICO charges that targeted their activism fighting against Cop City, as well as in the hearts of all forest protectors who demand justice and the protection of the Earth.

This year, on the 3^rd anniversary of Tortuguita’s death, the Day of the Forest Defender calls for collective remembrance and action. Grassroots organizers across the country will host events to honor Tortuguita’s life and fight for his commitments, from peaceful vigils and public gatherings to direct protest and resistance. As we reflect on Tortuguita’s martyrdom, we reaffirm the urgent need for resistance against the forces that seek to erase the voices of Indigenous peoples and their land, in all its manifestations.

Following recent legal developments, this call for remembrance also stands as a solidarity action for those who continue to defend against the Cop City project in Georgia. As we continue to support ongoing legal battles, let us amplify that we will not forget Tortuguita or the ongoing struggle for liberation.

To struggle is to remember. Let’s make January 18 a day to remember the fallen, and unite struggle for a future where these battles no longer must be fought.

Update on Cop City

In 2023, Georgia’s Attorney General brought state RICO (“racketeering”) charges against 61 people who protested the construction of “Cop City” – a $90+ million police training facility intended to expand the militarized policing apparatus deployed against every one of us, especially against the most disadvantaged people and communities. Defenders have spent nearly three years living under court-imposed restrictions while awaiting trial. Some couldn’t enter Georgia. Others couldn’t leave it. Many could not communicate with each other without their attorneys present.

During that lengthy span, the state’s politicized case collapsed under its own weight. Prosecutors missed deadlines, compromised attorney-client communications, and ultimately failed to secure the governor’s authorization required under Georgia’s constitution to bring RICO charges in the first place. (NJToday.news) When defense attorneys raised this procedural failure among many other issues in September 2025, Fulton County Judge Kevin Farmer announced from the bench that he would dismiss the charges. On December 30, 2025, after almost four long months, and just days away from the third anniversary of Tortuguita’s murder at the Cop City protest site, defenders received the written order making it official. (Atlanta Daily World)

“After nearly four months, Judge Farmer has granted our incredible defense team’s motion to dismiss state RICO charges against 61 defendants charged for protesting Cop City in Atlanta. Domestic Terrorism and arson charges remain for many — for now — but this is still a significant victory. Appeals will be forthcoming from both defense and prosecution, so the story continues. But the gross politicization and overreach in charging people with racketeering for political organizing against the largest cop training facility in the world has been legally smacked down, which is a major win.” Lauren Regan, CLDC attorney for one of the Cop City defenders.

CLDC will continue to keep you updated on the case as it unfolds. We stand with the Forest Defenders, and we’ve got your back!