Project South stands in solidary with Emory student protestors against war in Gaza and 'Cop City'

April 29th, 2024

Arrests are made as Atlanta Police Department and Georgia State Patrol officers order Pro-Palestinian and "Cop City" protesters to disperse from the quad on Emory University's campus on Thursday, April 25, 2024. (Matthew Pearson/WABE)

Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to Emory University last Thursday after protests erupted about the war in Gaza and the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center.

All 23 people who were arrested and detained at the DeKalb County Jail have been released. Emory University President Gregory L. Fenves released a statement apologizing for the mischaracterization of the demonstrations.

On Monday’s edition of “Closer Look,” Azadeh Shahshahani, the legal and advocacy director for Project South, explains why her organization is standing in solidarity with students and asking for a thorough investigation regarding the heavy presence and actions of law enforcement.

Editor’s note: During the interview, the “Closer Look” host referenced that the Georgia National Guard responded to the protests. However, the Georgia National Guard did not respond, and several law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Public Safety in conjunction with the Atlanta Police Department, Emory University Police and Georgia State Patrol, were the responding law enforcement agencies.