The news was splashed across the country May 31 when police in Atlanta arrested three leaders of the Atlanta Solidarity Fund, which supported protesters of the city’s proposed police and fire training center. Investigators from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation say they found evidence linking the trio of leaders to financial crimes, including money laundering and charity fraud. That’s how the story was presented in most news outlets.

However, this is more than just a simple arrest. A SWAT team was deployed to arrest and jail the board members of a charity, leadership positions that come with distinct legal protections. Also, it’s unusual for a state Bureau of Investigation to head the prosecution of charity fraud as a criminal matter. Instead, this is coming across as an effort of a state to stifle protest by going against a group’s financial supporters.

We’re joined by Professor Beth Gazley, who is a world-renowned expert in U.S. nonprofit management and civil society policy. She has published more than 85 research articles, books, and commentary addressing intersectoral collaboration, volunteerism, nonprofit governance, public service coproduction, association management, disaster response, and other topics.

O’Neill Speaks is the official podcast of the Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. All opinions and comments on O’Neill Speaks belong to the host and guest of the O’Neill School and don’t necessarily reflect those of the school itself. Music for O’Neill Speaks is by Manos Mars. Be sure to subscribe to O’Neill Speaks on Apple Podcasts or on your favorite podcatcher app so you don’t miss an episode.