In the U.S. state of Georgia, the family members of environmental activist Manuel Esteban Páez Terán said multiple Atlanta police officers shot the 26-year-old at least 13 times, killing Terán during a raid last month on a peaceful encampment of protesters opposed to the proposed construction of “Cop City,” a $90 million police training complex in the Weelaunee Forest. 

Atlanta, February 7 (RHC)-- In the U.S. state of Georgia, the family members of environmental activist Manuel Esteban Páez Terán said multiple Atlanta police officers shot the 26-year-old at least 13 times, killing Terán during a raid last month on a peaceful encampment of protesters opposed to the proposed construction of “Cop City,” a $90 million police training complex in the Weelaunee Forest. 

The family conducted a private autopsy of Terán, who went by the name Tortuguita, and demanded access to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s probe into the fatal shooting.  

Terán’s family, including their mother Belkis, spoke out publicly for the first time at a press conference outside the DeKalb County Courthouse.  They denounced charges of domestic terrorism against dozens of other Atlanta forest defenders who’ve been arrested.  

Terán’s brother, Daniel Páez, told reporters: “Calling protesters only charged with trespassing misdemeanor as terrorists is not absolute honesty and trustworthiness.  Raise your hand if you know of any terrorists known for their infamous trespassing.  We have been lied to.  That is the truth.  My call to action goes to the police officers: Find your moral courage and place your nation over loyalty to individuals.  Forcefully stop each other from killing civilians.”