(APN) ATLANTA — A former Habersham County Deputy, Nikki Autry, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on four counts of criminal civil rights violations for providing false information to obtain a “no-knock” search warrant. The no knock warrant allowed a police raid on the Phonesavanh family’s home that resulted in their 18 month-old baby being critically injured […]
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With additional reporting by Anna Simonton and Matthew Charles Cardinale. Photograph by Steve Eberhardt. (APN) ATLANTA — The Georgia General Assembly wrapped up the 2015 legislative session on Thursday, April 02, 2015. There were a few progressive highlights in the majority-Republican Legislature, including a solar power lease agreement bill; a limited medical cannabis bill; and more flexibility for MARTA […]
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(APN) ATLANTA — On Wednesday, March 04, 2015, the Senate Judiciary Non-Civil Committee passed out of Committee, SB 159, by State Sen. Jesse Stone (R-Waynesboro), the No-Knock Search Warrant Bill, by a seven to one vote. Only State Sen. Mike Crane (R- Newnan) opposed the bill. As reported by Atlanta Progressive News, the stated intent of the bill […]
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(APN) ATLANTA — Following concerns raised by activists, State Rep. Kevin Tanner (R-Dawsonville) has backed off his no knock warrant “reform” legislation, HB 56. However, State Sen. Vincent Fort (D-Atlanta) is pushing forward with his legislation, SB 45; and Sen. Jesse Stone (R-Waynesboro) has introduced his own version. Those who have opposed no knock warrant “reform” legislation have included […]
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With additional reporting by Matthew Charles Cardinale (APN) ATLANTA — On Monday, February 09, 2015, the Pak Subcommittee of Judiciary Non-Civil Committee passed the language in HB 56, commonly called the “No Knock bill,” with only minor tweaks. http://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/en-US/Display/20152016/HB/56 The bill’s supporters say it will reform Georgia’s problematic practice of no knock warrants on the part of of […]
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