September Update on Jack

Update from the support crew of Jack, who is facing repression in Atlanta, GA. For more information, see Free Jack.

It has now been over six months since Jack was arrested following the raid of his Atlanta home on February 8th. He spent nearly two months behind bars–the bulk of this time spent in Fulton County Jail, notorious for its dangerously poor conditions and overcrowding. For weeks, Jack was refused vegetarian meal trays and access to his commissary funds.

Because in-person visits are no longer allowed in any jails in the state of Georgia under the shaky pretense of Covid precautions, Jack was only able to speak with loved ones via heavily surveilled and recorded phone calls. Fortunately, Jack received dozens and dozens of letters from friends and supporters who participated in the many letter-writing and fundraising events that were held across the country following his arrest. He was also able to receive a handful of poetry and history books as well as novels and Spanish language books which were a lifeline for him. Reading, as well as meditation and exercise were key to Jack’s well-being while in jail.

On March 29 Jack finally had a bond hearing, appearing before the Fulton Co. judge via Zoom. Close to 150 supporters logged into the call to show the judge and the prosecutors that Jack is a beloved member of his community. This show of support combined with testimony from several character witnesses proved decisive in the judge’s decision to grant bond under the condition of 24 hour house arrest.

Even under the overly-restrictive measures of house arrest and 24/7 monitoring, Jack has stayed busy. He continues to apply his carpentry skills to improving his house and recently finished a screened-in porch where he sips espresso every morning. He continues to practice meditation daily and read. He also enjoys training Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in his yard several times a week. Recently Jack has been given permission to leave the house for work and has been giving climbing lessons and doing contracting work. He is feeling strong and in good spirits despite the worry and uncertainty that accompany intense political repression.

While we are thrilled that Jack is home, the conditions of his bond remain costly and restrictive. The cash bond amount was set at $75,000, which was required for his release from jail. Legal fees are steep and mounting; $20,000 has already been spent for representation, and much more will be needed as the case progresses.

The most pressing need for Jack right now is fundraising. Funds go toward legal fees as well as living expenses. Continuing to boost and share the givebutter fundraising link is helpful, and so is planning fundraiser events like music shows, art shows, raffles, and more.

Jack’s case is one instance of political repression and legal negligence unfolding among a constellation of others right now in Georgia:

1. Atlanta Forest RICO defendant Ayla King filed a motion for speedy trial under Georgia’s speedy trial statute. Ayla was entitled to a trial before the end of 2023. Instead, the court picked a jury in December 2023 and trial was delayed until January of this year. Ayla’s motion to dismiss was sent up to the appellate courts to decide if the case will be thrown out under Georgia law.
2. Georgia’s other messy RICO case, targeting YSL, has recently been marred by scandal as well. Young Thug’s lawyer found out about an improper meeting the judge had with the prosecution. When the lawyer objected to the judge on the grounds that the judge had a duty to notify defense, the judge got so angry that he held the lawyer in contempt and sentenced him to jail time. Georgia’s Supreme Court reversed the contempt order, and the judge was forced to recuse himself from the case.
3. The state of Georgia has embroiled itself in a shameful and scandalous attempt to outlaw legal defense fundraising and has targeted the Atlanta Solidarity Fund. The “Sol Fund 3” defendants filed a motion to dismiss, to disqualify the Attorney General’s office from the case, and to disqualify APD and Homeland Security from the case as well. Why? Because the police seized electronics with privileged attorney-client communications and failed to keep those communications confidential. The judge has not yet ruled on the motion but stated at the hearing that the State was guilty of “gross negligence,” and told them, “What you’re saying to the court is not credible. It flies in the face of any logic.”

We understand that Jack is being targeted by the State of Georgia, like so many others, in its flailing and dangerous attempt to abuse the law and criminalize all forms of protest and political activity. We will continue to stand by our friend. We hope that you stand with us.

Jack’s case is far from over. His next court date will be September 23, 2024. Stay tuned to hear from Jack’s crew about more ways to support our friend.