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February 18, 2026 – USA –
Independent journalist and civil rights activist Georgia Fort appeared in U.S. federal court in Minneapolis–Saint Paul on February 17 and February 18, 2026, entering not guilty pleas to a series of felony charges arising from her reporting and participation at a protest outside a church in Saint Paul, Minnesota, last year. Fort’s case has drawn attention from press freedom advocates due to her dual role as a journalist and Black Lives Matter co-founder.
Federal prosecutors allege that Fort violated federal civil rights statute provisions and engaged in acts that interfered with religious exercise when she and others gathered in November 2025 at All Saints Lutheran Church during an encampment by unhoused people and protestors advocating for housing justice. The government’s indictment asserts that Fort, along with co-defendant Trahern Crews, engaged in conduct that “intentionally opposed” the church’s use and enjoyment of its property. Charges include deprivation of rights under threat, force, or intimidation and conspiracy. Fort and Crews each pleaded not guilty to the counts during separate proceedings in federal district court.
In court, Fort rejected the government’s characterisation of her actions, insisting that her presence at the protest involved journalistic work and advocacy for social justice. Her attorneys argued that she was reporting on the protest and the broader housing crisis in the Twin Cities rather than attempting to obstruct religious practice or violate federal civil rights laws. They have framed the prosecution as an overextension of federal authority that could chill independent journalism and peaceful protest reporting.
Fort’s legal defence also emphasised that journalists often place themselves amidst protest activity to document events, and that such reporting should be distinguished from criminal conduct. She faces significant potential penalties if convicted, but her legal team is preparing motions to dismiss elements of the indictment on constitutional grounds, including First Amendment protections for freedom of the press and assembly.
The case’s profile has attracted statements of support from press freedom organisations and civil liberties advocates, who warn that using federal civil rights charges against journalists covering protests could set a concerning precedent. They argue that the charges blur the line between active participation in protest and newsgathering activity, complicating the legal environment for journalists reporting on contentious civic issues. (Source reports).
The judge has scheduled future hearings to address pre-trial motions, discovery disputes, and potential constitutional challenges. Fort remains free on conditions pending those proceedings as her defence continues to build its case against the federal indictments.
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