Statement from Latine Organizations on the killing of protester Paez Terán

Statement from Latine Organizations on the killing of protester Paez Terán, known as “Tortuguita” 

The undersigned organizations representing Hispanic and immigrant communities in GA express our indignation at the way the killing of Venezuelan environmental activist Manuel “Tortuguita” Paez Terán, has been handled by law enforcement. We call for Justice in holding accountable those involved in the January 18 incident.

We are saddened by the handling of Manuel “Tortuguita” Paez Terán’s death, a Venezuelan environmental activist. After the released video of body cam footage, and the Dekalb Medical Examiner’s recent autopsy report, we know that it is likely that Tortuguita did not shoot at officers as previously reported. The autopsy details revealed Terán with 57 bullet wounds, way more than any reasonable use of force in defense would suggest. We stand with the Terán family in this difficult time.

As we stand in the Georgia tradition of nonviolent action, we must insist that peaceful dissent is never a reason for somebody to die. Now that we know the details of what has happened we call for Justice to be served for all those involved in Tortuguita’s killing and the cover-up that ensued. We call on the leaders of the city of Atlanta to support this plight and to listen to the community members who have been very vocal about building the “Cop City” training facility. 

In solidarity,

CASA

Poder Latinx

Mi Familia Vota

Indivisible Georgia Coalition

ICEBreakers

GALEO Impact Fund

Community EsTr(El/La)

Migrant Equity Southeast

U-Lead Athens

GA Familias Unidas