Experts say San Diego case likely first to use conspiracy charges against antifa

[Zorro]

Case against anti-fascists stemming from counterprotest of Jan. 9 ‘Patriot March’ in Pacific Beach appears to be first alleging ‘Antifa’ conspiracy

SAN DIEGO — When San Diego prosecutors charged a group of individuals this week with conspiracy to commit the crime of riot, it was believed by experts who study domestic extremism to be the first time nationwide that a conspiracy charge has been used specifically to prosecute alleged anti-fascists, or “antifa supporters” as prosecutors described them.

The charges stemmed from a Jan. 9 “Patriot March” in Pacific Beach, which was organized in support of then-President Donald Trump and came just three days after his supporters had stormed the U.S. Capitol. In response to the rally, dozens of black-clad anti-fascists showed up on the boardwalk and streets near Crystal Pier to counter protest.

Throughout that Saturday afternoon, violence broke out several times, often between the counterprotesters and the pro-Trump group — among which there were at least five people who’d been at the Capitol three days earlier, according to reporting by The Appeal — and between the counterprotesters and police officers.

Videos also showed members of the pro-Trump group attacking a barefoot man, a Trump supporter throwing a munition canister at the counterprotesters and anti-fascists attacking people, including pepper-spraying an apparent bystander walking his dog.

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/courts/story/2021-12-11/experts-say-san-diego-case-likely-first-to-use-conspiracy-charges-against-antifa

[uponit7771]

1. WHOA !! If this is a federal prosecution than Jan 6 terrorist are in for some shit. Prosecutors here

... are claiming ...

The defendants allegedly “pledged their support and participation by liking and sharing” a Jan. 2 social media post that called “for ‘counterprotesting’ and direct action,” the complaint states. By liking and sharing the post, the defendants “in essence (agreed) to take part in the ‘direct action’.”

That's not liking a post that says they got to do violent actions but take "direct action" ... which could mean tons of non violent action.

I don't see how this case is even brought up !!

There are a ton of Jan 6 terrorist with way more overt "likes" of posts that call for more overt violence.

I don't think this case is a good one for any government, there's little in the article tying them to violence.

[2naSalit]

3. Sounds fishy.

[in2herbs]

2. In order to defend themselves and blame others these insurrectionists must dispute the

prosecutor's claims of antifa and Q. Maybe I'm missing something, but making the insurrectionists prove the existence of something that doesn't exist (antifa and Q) in order to prove that they have no connection to antifa and Q so as to prove their innocence will be interesting.

[rownesheck]

4. Why isn't there a law

in this country stating that supporting fascism is illegal? Fascists should always be beaten down violently. Those performing the beatdowns should be hailed as heroes.