WTO trial could cost city millions (Seattle civil rights violations)

[Barrett808]

WTO trial could cost city millions
Case alleging civil rights violations starts today
By PAUL SHUKOVSKY
P-I REPORTER

It's been seven years, but the biggest fallout from Seattle's World Trade Organization protests -- and illegal arrests by police -- could be yet to come.

A federal trial is poised to start today with the city accused of constitutional rights violations that could put taxpayers on the hook for millions.

The class-action case unfolding in U.S. District Court puts a spotlight on the mass arrest of about 200 WTO demonstrators gathered in Westlake Park.

The case is likely to be the last one alleging police excesses during the WTO conference to go to trial. There have been more than a dozen related lawsuits and numerous claims filed against the city, with settlements this summer topping $800,000.

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http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/298819_wto08.html